Cocoa butter market in Australia and New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

The cocoa butter market in Australia and New Zealand expanded from 26 604 t in 2018 to 32 431 t in 2020, driven by the entry of new players and the launch of innovative product variants such as lavender and lemon-infused cocoa butter. Key processors expanded production facilities in the Asia-Pacific region, which helped lower prices and encouraged confectioners to develop new products. Growing consumer preference for natural and organic ingredients in both cosmetics and food sectors further boosted demand.

Market volume continued to grow, reaching 38 217 t in 2022, supported by major companies committing to sustainable sourcing and the introduction of cocoa butter lines targeting the vegan and plant-based markets. Innovations in processing technology improved yields, while regulatory focus on labeling and traceability reinforced consumer trust. In 2023, the market experienced a modest correction to 37 003 t, even as energy-efficient extraction processes reduced production costs and the premium organic segment expanded to represent around 40% of the market.

Factors such as supply shortages in West Africa, high shipping costs, and currency depreciation are influencing availability and pricing. Companies like Barry Callebaut and Cargill have launched new sustainably sourced and vegan cocoa butter products, responding to intensified regulatory focus on labeling and traceability. Consumer demand continues to favor clean-label, natural, and sustainable options, with seasonal peaks in skincare and baking applications shaping marketing strategies.

Production cocoa butter in Australia and New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of cocoa butter, 2018-2021

World map of production of cocoa butter, 2018-2021

Cocoa butter production in Australia and New Zealand has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, output reached 11 895 tonnes, representing a significant increase of 19.9% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production surged by 107.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 27.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports cocoa butter from Australia and New Zealand

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of cocoa butter from Australia and New Zealand showed considerable volatility during the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2021, dropping 49.3% year-over-year to just 31 tonnes. This followed a peak in 2018, with a 5.9-fold difference between these years. The sharpest decline occurred in 2019, falling 72.5%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2020, rising 20.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for cocoa butter exports from Australia and New Zealand were Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States. Singapore accounted for 42.7% of exports in kind, Malaysia for 15.6%, and the United States for 1.9%. Together, these three markets made up 60.1% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, cocoa butter exports from Australia and New Zealand were valued at 0.1 million US dollars, marking a 58.5% decline compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value decreased by 77.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -39.5%. The largest increase was recorded in 2020, rising 20.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, the distribution of cocoa butter export value was quite dispersed. Singapore accounted for 27.0% of exports in value terms, Malaysia for 18.0%, and Japan for 2.4%. Together, these three partners represented just 47.4% of total flows, with no single market emerging as clearly dominant.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021

Imports cocoa butter to Australia and New Zealand

Imports in kind, t

Cocoa butter imports into Australia and New Zealand increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 23 649 tonnes, up 4.8% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 12.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 19 519 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 7.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, rising 15.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets—Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia—collectively accounted for 96.3% of total cocoa butter imports in kind to Australia and New Zealand.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, cocoa butter imports into Australia and New Zealand were valued at 122.8 million US dollars, down 5.0% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, import value increased by 7.5%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 105.1 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 8.0%. The highest value was in 2020 at 129.3 million US dollars, marking the largest increase of 23.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

During 2018–2021, three main markets—Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia—together absorbed 95.8% of total cocoa butter imports in value terms to Australia and New Zealand.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021