Cocoa paste market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German cocoa paste market saw its volume contract slightly to 146.3 thousand tons in 2019 before beginning a period of sustained growth. Market size increased to 148.8 thousand tons in 2020 and then expanded markedly to 174.5 thousand tons in 2021 and 188.3 thousand tons in 2022.

A sharp rise to 237.9 thousand tons occurred in 2023, primarily driven by higher grinding volumes within the German confectionery industry and increased consumer demand for organic and fairtrade cocoa products. The physical market volume then stabilized at 237.7 thousand tons in 2024, while the market's value soared to $404 million due to a dramatic spike in cocoa prices caused by extensive crop failures in West Africa, adverse climate conditions, and intensified market speculation.

Production cocoa paste in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's cocoa paste production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 183.1 million US dollars, marking a significant 22.8% decrease compared to 2019. Production fell by 25% between 2017 and 2020, which translates to an annualized rate of 9.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 259.9 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 6.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's cocoa paste production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 132.2 thousand tonnes were produced, representing a 17.5% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 17.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.1%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 170.5 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 6.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports cocoa paste from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Cocoa paste exports from Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Germany exported 82 384 tonnes, indicating a 14.8% fall compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 9.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.1%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 99 412 tonnes, with the largest increase that year of 9.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Italy, and Poland were the largest buyers of cocoa paste from Germany, accounting for 21.7%, 13.7%, and 12.9% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they made up 48.3% of total exports, with numerous smaller partners comprising the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cocoa paste exports from Germany declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 285.9 million US dollars, showing a modest 3.3% decrease compared to 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 314.9 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 10.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 6.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Italy, and Poland remained the key export destinations in value terms, with shares of 24.2%, 14.5%, and 14.0%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 52.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports cocoa paste to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's cocoa paste import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 98 971 tonnes, amounting to a 19.8% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 27.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Côte d'Ivoire were the main sources of cocoa paste imports to Germany, accounting for 33.8%, 18.5%, and 13.7% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 66.1% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's cocoa paste import value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 330.4 million US dollars, which is 29.8% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 26.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 247.6 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year of 5.1%.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Switzerland led as the top suppliers of cocoa paste to Germany in value terms, with shares of 37.3%, 19.6%, and 15.1%, respectively. Their combined share reached 72.0% of total import value.

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

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