Cocoa butter market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French cocoa butter market was valued at 223 million USD in 2018, with France established as a major European producer and exporter. A significant expansion occurred in 2019, lifting the market to 376 million USD, driven by the opening and expansion of cocoa butter production facilities across Europe which increased local supply. This growth was interrupted in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted global supply chains and reduced demand, pulling the market down to 312 million USD.

Recovery followed in 2021 as the market surged to 439 million USD, supported by the entry of new players and consolidation among global manufacturers like Cargill and Barry Callebaut, coupled with rising demand for natural and sustainable cocoa butter in the cosmetics industry. However, in 2022, the market contracted to 281 million USD due to consecutive cocoa deficits and climate disruptions in West Africa that pushed prices higher, while the growing availability of alternatives such as shea butter began eroding demand for pure cocoa butter.

By 2023, the market regained momentum to reach 348 million USD despite historically high raw material prices, fueled by the launch of over 1,200 new product formulations enriched with cocoa butter in pharmaceuticals and wellness, alongside investments in sustainable cocoa processing. Entering 2024, cocoa prices skyrocketed in France because of climate-induced harvest failures, yet strong demand from the pharmaceutical and personal care sectors continued to support market activity.

Production cocoa butter in France

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, France maintained the 8th position globally in terms of cocoa butter production volume.

Top producers of cocoa butter, 2017-2020

World map of production of cocoa butter, 2017-2020

In 2020, France produced 50 110 tonnes of cocoa butter, marking a sharp year-over-year decline of 32.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 46 329 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 73 771 tonnes. The most significant increase was observed in 2019, rising by 59.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of cocoa butter in France was valued at 332.6 million US dollars, representing a substantial 23.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 278.3 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 434.1 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 56.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports cocoa butter from France

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, cocoa butter exports from France showed an increase. In 2020, exports reached 73 248 tonnes, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 5.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 73 112 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 4.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from France in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, Poland, and Italy formed the main cluster of markets for cocoa butter exports in kind from France. Belgium accounted for 28.6% of exports, Poland for 14.3%, and Italy for 11.8%, together representing 54.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year drop, France's cocoa butter exports increased. In 2020, France exported 486.2 million US dollars worth of cocoa butter, up by 13.0% compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 430.2 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 6.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Poland, and Italy consistently remained the main destinations for France's cocoa butter exports in value terms. Belgium accounted for 29.6% of exports, Poland for 14.3%, and Italy for 11.7%, together making up 55.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cocoa butter to France

Imports in kind, t

The volume of cocoa butter imports into France increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 77 868 tonnes, indicating a gradual rise of 9.2% from the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 70 369 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 10.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to France in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, three main markets—Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and the Netherlands—together absorbed 67.3% of total cocoa butter imports in kind to France.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, France's cocoa butter import volume amounted to 465.3 million US dollars, up by 25.0% over the past year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 22.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 372.4 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 7.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and the Netherlands formed the key group of partners for cocoa butter imports in value terms to France. Côte d'Ivoire accounted for 33.1% of imports, Cameroon for 21.3%, and the Netherlands for 12.8%, jointly representing 67.1% of total import flows.

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

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