Cocoa powder and cake market in Honduras

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for cocoa powder and cake in Honduras contracted from 571 tons to 268 tons. This decline was driven by a sharp drop in domestic production, which fell from 360 tons to 156 tons over the period, coupled with reduced imports. During these years, the sector focused on organizing producers and reinforcing the cocoa value chain with technical assistance, which helped production begin to recover in 2020 after the steep fall in 2019.

Market volume rebounded strongly to 418 tons in 2021 and reached 451 tons in 2022, before easing to 435 tons in 2023. The recovery was supported by a sustained increase in domestic production, which grew to 324 tons by 2023. This expansion was fueled by the promotion of organic and fair-trade cocoa, certifications that allowed higher prices in international markets, and genetic quality improvements through local nurseries and banks.

In 2024, Honduras participated in the international Cocoa and Chocolate Salon to strengthen its global presence, and cocoa exports achieved record prices, reflecting ongoing efforts to position Honduran cocoa in premium markets.

Production cocoa powder and cake in Honduras

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

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Production volumes varied significantly, with a 5.8-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2018. In 2020, Honduras produced 155.6 t of cocoa powder and cake, representing a 12.2% year-over-year increase. The maximum production was recorded in 2018 at 360.2 t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 61.5%, while the largest increase was in 2018, surging by 475.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Production values showed a 5.4-fold shift, dropping to a minimum in 2017 and climbing to a maximum in 2018. In 2020, the output of cocoa powder and cake in Honduras was valued at 513 K $ US, marking a 17.4% decline compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 253 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, decreasing by 50.4%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 441.4%.

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

Exports cocoa powder and cake from Honduras

Exports in kind, t

Honduras's cocoa powder and cake export volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume was recorded at 7.8 t, down by 32.9% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 71.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -34.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 32.3 t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 64.0%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 18.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica stood out as the main markets for exports in kind. The United States accounted for 32.7% of exports, Nicaragua for 27.8%, and Costa Rica for 13.7%. Together, these three countries represented 74.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Honduras's cocoa powder and cake exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 25.8 K $ US, down by 50.6% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 74.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -36.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 112.4 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 53.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 11.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Nicaragua, and Spain headed the ranking of buyers of cocoa powder and cake from Honduras in value terms. The United States accounted for 39.7% of exports, Nicaragua for 28.0%, and Spain for 8.3%. Their combined share reached 76.0% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports cocoa powder and cake to Honduras

Imports in kind, t

The volume of cocoa powder and cake imports to Honduras declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 119.9 t, reflecting a steep reduction of 31.0% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 42.9%, equating to an annualized rate of -17.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 242.6 t. The largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 15.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Peru, the United States, and China remained at the centre of imports in kind, together taking 73.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The volume of cocoa powder and cake imports to Honduras declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 326.6 K $ US, reflecting a sharp decline of 37.2% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 39.8%, equating to an annualized rate of -15.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 676.5 K $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 24.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—the United States, Peru, and Spain—together accounted for 72.8% of total imports in value terms of cocoa powder and cake to Honduras.

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

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