Cocoa powder and cake market in Bolivia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for cocoa powder and cake in Bolivia grew steadily, reaching 4 510 t, supported by national policy that declared the protection of wild cocoa areas and the promotion of agroforestry production a priority. The establishment of technical quality standards by IBNORCA for cocoa powder, paste, cake, and butter helped ensure product safety, while the cooperative El Ceibo began exporting organic cocoa powder to Chile, showcasing Bolivia's growing international recognition.

After a slight contraction in 2021 and 2022, the market recovered to 4 490 t in 2023. During this period, the sector adapted to updated international Codex Alimentarius standards for cocoa products, which influenced national composition and labeling rules. Simultaneously, a sharp rise in global cocoa prices due to diseases and adverse weather in major producing countries increased import costs and bolstered interest in Bolivian exports, which surged by nearly 200% in volume terms in 2023, with companies gaining access to new markets through events like the XIII Encuentro Empresarial Andino.

Bolivian producers are actively expanding internationally, supported by government initiatives such as the Salón del Cacao y Chocolate Bolivia 2024 launch to promote the national industry. Ongoing technical norms aligned with international standards, along with institutional support for smallholder families and production chain development, continue to strengthen Bolivia's position as a supplier of quality cocoa.

Production cocoa powder and cake in Bolivia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cocoa powder and cake, 2017-2020

World map of production of cocoa powder and cake, 2017-2020

In 2020, Bolivia produced 2 306 tons of cocoa powder and cake, showing minimal change from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 5.1%, averaging 1.7% annually. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 0.5%, while the peak was in 2018 with 2 313 tons and the highest increase that year at 5.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of cocoa powder and cake output in Bolivia reached 15 228 thousand US dollars, marking a 15.7% improvement over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 17.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.2%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 13 162 thousand US dollars, and the highest in 2018 at 18 529 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019 at 29.0%.

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

Exports cocoa powder and cake from Bolivia

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. In 2020, Bolivia's cocoa powder and cake exports totaled 3 tons, a 91.1% drop from 2019. The peak was in 2019 at 38 tons, with the largest increase that year at 192.9%. Import levels varied significantly, with an 11.3-fold difference between the low in 2020 and the high in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and Peru were the primary destinations for Bolivia's cocoa powder and cake exports in kind. Italy accounted for 42.4% of exports, Germany for 22.0%, and Peru for 17.1%, together making up 81.6% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. In 2020, Bolivia's cocoa powder and cake exports reached 22 thousand US dollars, an 89.8% decrease from 2019. The peak was in 2019 at 219 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 109.1%. Exports hit their lowest point in 2020 and their highest in 2019, showing a 9.8-fold gap.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom led as the top buyers of cocoa powder and cake from Bolivia in value terms. Italy held 55.2% of exports, Germany 22.6%, and the United Kingdom 11.7%, collectively accounting for 89.5% of total exports.

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

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

Imports cocoa powder and cake to Bolivia

Imports in kind, t

Cocoa powder and cake imports into Bolivia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 2 207 tons, up 5.4% from the previous year. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 1 902 tons, with the largest decline that year at 15.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 10.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Spain, Brazil, and Peru were the main sources for Bolivia's cocoa powder and cake imports in kind. Spain contributed 32.7% of imports, Brazil 27.1%, and Peru 20.3%, together representing 80.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Bolivia's cocoa powder and cake imports rose for the second year in a row. In 2020, import value reached 5 276 thousand US dollars, a robust 11.0% gain over 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 5.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.9%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 4 271 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 23.6%. The largest increase was in 2019 at 11.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, Spain, and Peru were the key sources for Bolivia's cocoa powder and cake imports in value terms. Brazil accounted for 30.6% of imports, Spain for 30.4%, and Peru for 20.3%, together making up 81.3% of total flows.

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

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