Cocoa butter market in Switzerland

Earlier Report Observations

The Swiss cocoa butter market volume grew from 42 725 t in 2018 to 45 624 t in 2023, experiencing notable fluctuations. After an initial increase to 45 175 t in 2019, consumption dropped by 12.4% to 39 569 t in 2020. A steady recovery followed, with the market reaching 46 182 t in 2022 before a slight contraction in 2023.

In value terms, the market followed a different trajectory, reaching its peak of $288.3 million in 2021. Despite a higher physical volume in 2022, the market value fell to $249.4 million, indicating a significant decrease in average prices. A price recovery was evident in 2023, with the market value rising to $274.4 million.

By 2024, global factors profoundly influenced the trade. Record-high cocoa prices, driven by poor harvests in West Africa due to climate factors and supply chain disruptions, led to a surge in import costs. Switzerland's cocoa butter import value more than doubled to $397.9 million. This occurred alongside rising demand from the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors for natural and sustainable products, which continued to support market dynamics.

Production cocoa butter in Switzerland

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland ranked as the 20th largest producer of cocoa butter globally.

Top producers of cocoa butter, 2017-2020

World map of production of cocoa butter, 2017-2020

Switzerland's cocoa butter production saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2020, production stood at 13 868 tonnes, marking a significant year-over-year decrease of 10.2%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 2.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 0.9%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 15 443 tonnes, with the largest increase of 9.3% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Switzerland's cocoa butter output was valued at 92.1 million US dollars, reflecting a notable year-over-year decline of 14.0%. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 2.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.0%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 87.3 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 107.2 million US dollars, when the largest increase of 22.8% was recorded.

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

Exports cocoa butter from Switzerland

Exports in kind, t

Switzerland's cocoa butter exports declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 249 tonnes, showing a measured contraction of 7.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 48%, equating to an annualized rate of 19.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and France were the three main markets, collectively accounting for 85.1% of Switzerland's total cocoa butter exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Switzerland's cross-border shipments of cocoa butter declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1.7 million US dollars, which is 11.4% lower than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 47.9%, with a CAGR of 19.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and France remained the top markets in value terms, together representing 76.0% of Switzerland's total cocoa butter export flows.

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

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

Imports cocoa butter to Switzerland

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Switzerland imported 25 950 tonnes of cocoa butter, indicating a strong year-over-year reduction of 13.5%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 12%, with a CAGR of 4.2%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 30 001 tonnes, when the largest increase of 3.4% occurred.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import structure in volume terms was dominated by the Netherlands, which absorbed 72.0% of total flows, with the remainder distributed among numerous smaller partners.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Switzerland's cocoa butter imports reached 157.1 million US dollars, showing a measured decrease of 8.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 11.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.0%. The largest increase was in 2019 at 1.8%.

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

During 2017-2020, the Netherlands continued to be the primary market for imports in value terms, holding a 71.5% share of total flows, while the rest was spread across many other destinations.

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

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