Cocoa butter market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The Dutch cocoa butter market volume grew from 50.8 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 62.1 thousand tonnes in 2021, a 22% increase. This expansion was driven by retail shifts toward sustainable sourcing, notably Albert Heijn's 2018 adoption of Tony’s Open Chain, which boosted demand for certified cocoa butter. Innovation in processing and a 29% rise in the number of chocolate-producing enterprises between 2017 and 2022 introduced new players and enhanced product quality, supporting market growth.

From 2022, the market contracted sharply, falling to 53.2 thousand tonnes that year and then to 35.0 thousand tonnes in 2023. The primary driver was a significant price surge for cocoa butter caused by crop failures in West Africa (Ghana and Ivory Coast) and global supply constraints, which increased costs for Dutch processors. Producers responded by substituting alternative vegetable fats up to the permitted 5% limit, reducing pure cocoa butter volumes. Additional pressure came from the impending EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), requiring stricter sustainability and traceability from late 2024 onward.

Throughout the period, consumer preferences increasingly favored premium, artisan, and ethically sourced chocolate, sustaining demand for high-quality cocoa butter despite rising prices. The market also saw diversification into cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, though the food industry remained the core consumer. Dutch imports of cocoa butter remained high, reinforcing the country's position as Europe's largest importer, but domestic consumption was ultimately constrained by supply-side cost shocks.

Production cocoa butter in the Netherlands

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands maintained its position as the world's second-largest producer of cocoa butter by volume.

Top producers of cocoa butter, 2018-2021

World map of production of cocoa butter, 2018-2021

After two years of growth, cocoa butter production in the Netherlands declined. In 2021, the country produced 227.8 thousand tons, a decrease of 1.0% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.0%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 230.1 thousand tons, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports cocoa butter from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, the Netherlands exported 258.2 thousand tons of cocoa butter, a 1.5% increase from the previous year. The lowest export volume was in 2020 at 254.4 thousand tons, and the highest was in 2019 at 270.1 thousand tons. The largest annual decline occurred in 2020 at 5.8%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 3.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom were the primary destinations for the Netherlands' cocoa butter exports by volume. Germany accounted for 31.8% of exports, Belgium for 19.2%, and the United Kingdom for 10.6%. Together, these three countries represented 61.5% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Cocoa butter exports from the Netherlands declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 1,458 million US dollars, a moderate contraction of 5.8% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 5.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1,569 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase at 2.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom were the main markets for the Netherlands' cocoa butter exports by value. Germany accounted for 32.0% of exports, Belgium for 18.9%, and the United Kingdom for 10.8%. Collectively, these three countries absorbed 61.7% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021

Imports cocoa butter to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, the Netherlands imported 92.5 thousand tons of cocoa butter, an 11.8% year-over-year increase. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 2.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 82.7 thousand tons, and the highest was in 2019 at 94.4 thousand tons. The largest annual decline occurred in 2020 at 12.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Throughout 2018-2021, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Indonesia were the key sources for the Netherlands' cocoa butter imports by volume. Ghana accounted for 34.8% of imports, Côte d'Ivoire for 19.3%, and Indonesia for 15.6%. Together, these three countries supplied 69.7% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the Netherlands imported 483 million US dollars worth of cocoa butter, a gradual increase of 4.0% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 5.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 464 million US dollars, and the highest was in 2019 at 520 million US dollars. The largest annual decline occurred in 2020 at 10.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Indonesia were the main markets for the Netherlands' cocoa butter imports by value. Ghana accounted for 35.5% of imports, Côte d'Ivoire for 17.8%, and Indonesia for 16.1%. Together, these three countries represented 69.4% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021