Cocoa beans market in Polynesia

Earlier Report Observations

The cocoa bean market in Polynesia showed stable domestic production between 479 t and 483 t from 2018 to 2023. Market volume, however, experienced notable fluctuations, declining to 424 t in 2019 before recovering to 460 t in 2020, dropping sharply to 374 t in 2021, and then rising to 463 t by 2023, primarily due to varying export levels.

During this period, the local cocoa sector saw the entry of artisans like Couleur Cacao, who launched fully local chocolate product lines and developed processed goods such as spreads. The establishment of cocoa tree nurseries by local chocolatiers aimed to increase the supply of high-quality Criollo beans, although limited local bean availability continued to constrain market expansion beyond the region.

Support from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry facilitated producer participation in trade shows like Made in France, while a dedicated mission by cocoa expert Philippe Bastide in 2022 assessed sector development. International recognition, including prestigious awards for Tahitian chocolate, helped elevate the profile of Polynesian cocoa and encouraged product diversification, contributing to production stability and influencing export dynamics.

Production cocoa beans in Polynesia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cocoa beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of cocoa beans, 2017-2020

Polynesia's cocoa bean production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2019, production showed no significant change from the previous year, with 480.4 tonnes produced in 2020. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 479.1 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 0.2% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a 0.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports cocoa beans from Polynesia

Exports in kind, kg

In 2020, cocoa bean exports from Polynesia amounted to 21 800 kg, marking a 61.8% decrease year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 63.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -28.8%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 63.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand dominated cocoa bean exports from Polynesia, accounting for 79.5% of total volume, while other markets made up the remaining share.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Foreign cocoa bean supplies from Polynesia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 169.3 thousand US dollars, a notable decrease of 13.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 21.4%, with a CAGR of -7.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 260.8 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 24.7% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 21.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Polynesia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, New Zealand (64.0% of export value), the United States (14.4%), and Australia (10.5%) formed the core of Polynesia's cocoa bean exports in value terms, together accounting for 88.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Polynesia in value, 2017-2020

Imports cocoa beans to Polynesia

Imports in kind, kg

Cocoa bean imports into Polynesia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 658 kg, which is 60.9% higher than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 842%, with a CAGR of 111.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Vanuatu (48.2% of import volume), France (19.1%), and New Zealand (16.0%) were the main sources for cocoa bean imports into Polynesia, together representing 83.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. From the low in 2017 to the high in 2019, import volumes varied 3.7-fold. In 2020, cocoa bean imports into Polynesia came to 8.6 thousand US dollars, reflecting an abrupt drop of 39.6% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 14.3 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 113.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Polynesia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, France (32.1% of import value), Vanuatu (27.5%), and the United States (16.9%) formed the key group of partners for cocoa bean imports into Polynesia in value terms, jointly representing 76.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Polynesia in value, 2017-2020