Cocoa powder and cake market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for cocoa powder and cake in Southern Europe expanded from 162.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 179.2 thousand tons in 2023, though the path was volatile. A notable increase in 2019 was followed by a contraction in 2020, then a strong recovery in 2021 pushed the market to its peak for the period. The following two years saw a mild stabilization with volumes settling just below the 2021 high.

By 2024, several key developments were shaping the market's trajectory. The construction of a new Chocolates Trapa factory in Palencia significantly expanded local production capacity and the product range, including sugar-free cocoa powder. This investment was complemented by the launch of new product lines with no added sugar, directly responding to growing consumer demand for healthier options. At the same time, heightened consumer focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing, with 81% of Spanish consumers paying attention, boosted demand for certified products, while the rise of private-label brands to a 42% share in the countlines segment reinforced their position in the market.

Production cocoa powder and cake in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cocoa powder and cake, 2017-2020

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

In Southern Europe, cocoa powder and cake production reached 108.7 thousand tons in 2020, marking a 2.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 8.2%, with an average annual decline of 2.8%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018 at 7.2%, while 2019 saw the largest increase of 1.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Southern Europe's cocoa powder and cake production value rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 250.7 million US dollars, up 2.3% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, however, production value decreased by 10.8%, translating to an annualized decline of 3.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 231.3 million US dollars, which also saw the steepest drop of 17.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 6.0%.

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

Exports cocoa powder and cake from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Cocoa powder and cake exports from Southern Europe declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 89.4 thousand tons, down 1.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 4.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.5%. The peak was reached in 2018 at 98.2 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 4.9%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 7.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, cocoa powder and cake exports from Southern Europe were distributed relatively evenly among partners. The United States accounted for 12.4% of exports in kind, France for 6.6%, and Russia for 5.7%, together making up just 24.8% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, cocoa powder and cake exports from Southern Europe increased in value. In 2020, exports amounted to 206.2 million US dollars, rising 3.7% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, export value decreased by 7.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 198.8 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 7.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export partner portfolio for cocoa powder and cake from Southern Europe was quite diverse in value terms. The United States represented 12.7% of exports in value, France 7.2%, and Algeria 5.2%, collectively accounting for only 25.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports cocoa powder and cake to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, cocoa powder and cake imports into Southern Europe declined in volume. In 2020, imports stood at 141.9 thousand tons, showing a controlled drop of 7.1% from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 152.7 thousand tons, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 4.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the main suppliers of cocoa powder and cake to Southern Europe in kind were Côte d'Ivoire with 30.5% of imports, the Netherlands with 17.8%, and Germany with 12.9%. Together, these three countries comprised 61.2% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decrease, cocoa powder and cake imports into Southern Europe rose in value. In 2020, imports reached 280.6 million US dollars, up 11.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, import value fell by 5.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 251.1 million US dollars, which also saw the steepest drop of 8.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the Netherlands accounted for 24.3% of cocoa powder and cake imports in value terms, Côte d'Ivoire for 21.7%, and Germany for 19.1%. These three countries formed the core of imports, together representing 65.0% of total flows.

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

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