Cocoa powder and cake market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The South African cocoa powder and cake market volume grew from 8.3 thousand tons in 2018 to 10.4 thousand tons in 2021, with the value increasing from $21.8 million to $30.7 million over the same period. This expansion was primarily driven by pandemic-induced shifts in consumer behavior, as manufacturers adapted by offering cocoa powders with reduced sugar and fat content to meet demand for healthier, cost-effective ingredients. New product launches in specialty chocolate segments further stimulated market growth.

Market volume contracted sharply to 7.7 thousand tons in 2022 due to global cocoa supply shortages and rising prices, caused by adverse weather and disease in West African growing regions. These constraints increased costs and limited availability, though the market value saw a less pronounced decline. Volume recovered to 8.5 thousand tons in 2023 as consumer interest in ethically sourced and transparently produced cocoa products helped sustain demand despite continued climate-related price pressures and market volatility.

In subsequent years, the market continued to face supply-side challenges, with cocoa prices surging in 2024 due to heavy rains and black pod disease in West Africa. Speculative trading amplified price fluctuations, though some relief came from improved harvest forecasts. Consumer trends increasingly emphasized sustainability, ethical sourcing, and transparency, influencing product development and marketing strategies within South Africa.

Production cocoa powder and cake in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of cocoa powder and cake, 2018-2021

World map of production of cocoa powder and cake, 2018-2021

South Africa's cocoa powder and cake production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 2 822 tonnes, marking a solid 10.8% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 5.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2 347 tonnes, when output fell by 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

South Africa's cocoa powder and cake production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 12 066 thousand US dollars, showing a 2.3% rise year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 3.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 10 015 thousand US dollars, when production declined by 14.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a 17.8% jump.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports cocoa powder and cake from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

South Africa's cocoa powder and cake export volume has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 793 tonnes, reflecting a solid 21.8% increase compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 50.6%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 14.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, the main destinations for South Africa's cocoa powder and cake exports in volume terms were Zambia (28.1% of exports), Mozambique (24.4%), and Zimbabwe (19.0%). Together, these three countries accounted for 71.5% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

South Africa's cocoa powder and cake exports have increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports were valued at 3 392 thousand US dollars, marking a substantial 12.4% gain compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 47.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Mozambique (30.1% of exports in value terms), Zambia (27.7%), and Zimbabwe (14.3%) were the primary destinations for South Africa's cocoa powder and cake exports. Together, they accounted for 72.2% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports cocoa powder and cake to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

South Africa's cocoa powder and cake import volume has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 8 420 tonnes, indicating a 12.9% rise from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 36.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

Over the period 2018–2021, Malaysia (32.9% of imports in volume terms), Indonesia (27.8%), and Spain (14.0%) were the leading sources for South Africa's cocoa powder and cake imports. Together, they made up 74.7% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

South Africa's cocoa powder and cake imports have increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports reached 22 024 thousand US dollars, showing a 30.1% rise year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 76.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Malaysia (31.6% of imports in value terms), Indonesia (24.5%), and the Netherlands (15.7%) accounted for the largest share of South Africa's cocoa powder and cake imports. Together, they comprised 71.8% of total import value.

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

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021