Cocoa butter market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The cocoa butter market volume in the MENA region showed significant movement from 2018 to 2023. It started at 33 230 metric tons in 2018, held nearly steady at 33 200 metric tons in 2019, then contracted to 29 560 metric tons in 2020. A recovery phase began, with the market reaching 31 910 metric tons in 2021, followed by stronger growth to 37 170 metric tons in 2022 and 40 970 metric tons in 2023.

The market's expansion in 2023 was supported by two key consumer trends. Research from the University of Birmingham, published in November 2023, linked flavanol-rich cocoa consumption to improved vascular health, boosting demand for health-oriented cocoa products. Concurrently, rising consumer preference for healthier and sustainable options drove increased demand for vegan chocolate, which relies on cocoa butter as a key ingredient.

In 2024, the market environment was influenced by shifts in distribution and supply. E-commerce channels in the region grew by 30%, enhancing product accessibility in key markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. New market entrants and processing capacity expansions, such as Olam Group's major investment in nut processing in Nigeria, signaled continued sector activity. These developments occurred alongside global cocoa supply constraints due to adverse weather and disease in West Africa, which affected prices and availability for the MENA region.

Production cocoa butter in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cocoa butter, 2017-2020

World map of production of cocoa butter, 2017-2020

In 2019, cocoa butter production in MENA saw its largest increase of 3.8%. However, by 2020, production had fallen to 10 322 tons, marking a significant 24.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 28.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 10.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2019, the value of cocoa butter output in MENA recorded its largest increase of 4.4%. By 2020, production was valued at 62 656 thousand US dollars, representing a 15.3% reduction from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, the value of production decreased by 19.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -6.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in MENA in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports cocoa butter from MENA

Exports in kind, t

In 2019, cocoa butter exports from MENA reached their peak at 2 438 tons, with the largest annual increase of 26.4%. However, in 2020, exports dropped sharply to 1 156 tons, a 52.6% decline compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 48.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 20.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom were the top buyers of cocoa butter from MENA. Germany accounted for 48.9% of exports in kind, followed by the Netherlands at 12.8% and the United Kingdom at 12.4%. Together, these three countries represented 74.1% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2019, cocoa butter export value from MENA hit its highest point at 13.1 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 27.1%. By 2020, export value had fallen to 7.0 million US dollars, down 46.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 42.3%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 16.7%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands formed the core of cocoa butter export value from MENA. Germany contributed 47.4% of exports in value terms, the United Kingdom 12.4%, and the Netherlands 12.1%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 71.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cocoa butter to MENA

Imports in kind, t

Cocoa butter imports into MENA declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 20 394 tons, which was 6.9% lower than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 13%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia consistently served as the main sources for cocoa butter imports into MENA. Malaysia accounted for 24.5% of imports in kind, Singapore for 24.2%, and Indonesia for 17.8%. Together, these three countries made up 66.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2019, cocoa butter import value into MENA saw its largest increase of 4.9%, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 8.0%. By 2020, import value amounted to 117.9 million US dollars, down 6.6% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 9.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia remained the primary destinations for cocoa butter imports into MENA in value terms. Singapore accounted for 24.5% of imports in value, Malaysia for 21.8%, and Indonesia for 17.7%. Together, these three countries represented 64.0% of total import value.

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

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