Cocoa powder and cake market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish cocoa powder and cake market volume grew from 56.7 thousand tons in 2018 to 59.8 thousand tons in 2019. In 2020, the market contracted to 54.1 thousand tons due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted sales volumes and supply chains. Despite the downturn, September 2020 saw Olam Cocoa launch a premium cocoa powder line for professionals, targeting the rising demand for high-quality ingredients.

A sharp recovery followed in 2021, with market volume jumping to 63.6 thousand tons. This surge was driven by increasing consumer demand for organic cocoa powder, supported by higher disposable income and health awareness, alongside a broader industry focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. However, in 2022, the market fell back to 56.9 thousand tons, partly due to operational disruptions in the industry, including a costly Salmonella outbreak at major supplier Barry Callebaut that affected its position in the cocoa powder sector.

The market rebounded again in 2023, reaching 59.8 thousand tons. This growth was fueled by a growing preference for artisanal and premium chocolate products, which boosted demand for high-quality cocoa powder, and by continued expansion of sustainability initiatives in the supply chain.

Production cocoa powder and cake in Spain

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Globally, Spain ranked as the 14th largest producer of cocoa powder and cake between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of cocoa powder and cake, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Spain produced 44 275 tonnes of cocoa powder and cake, representing a 2.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 17.8%, averaging an annual decline of 6.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 44 270 tonnes. That year also saw the largest drop of 17.8%, while 2019 experienced the biggest increase of 2.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's cocoa powder and cake production grew for the second year in a row in 2020, reaching a value of 95.0 million US dollars, an 11.3% rise compared to 2019. However, from 2017 to 2020, overall production value decreased by 19.7%, with an average annual decline of 7.1%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 85.3 million US dollars, which also marked the steepest drop of 28.0%.

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

Exports cocoa powder and cake from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain's exports of cocoa powder and cake declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, with volume falling to 77 713 tonnes, a 5.8% decrease from 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 82 716 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain's export market for cocoa powder and cake was highly diversified. The top three destinations—the United States (14.1% of exports), Algeria (6.9%), and Russia (6.6%)—together accounted for just 27.5% of total exports, while the remaining 72.5% was spread across numerous other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of decline, Spain's cocoa powder and cake exports rebounded in 2020, reaching 166.8 million US dollars, a 7.9% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, export value decreased by 2.7%, with an average annual decline of 0.9%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 154.6 million US dollars, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 at 7.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States (14.7% of export value), Algeria (6.6%), and Russia (5.8%) were the largest buyers of cocoa powder and cake from Spain. Yet, their combined share was only 27.1% of total export value, highlighting a broad and varied country structure.

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

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

Imports cocoa powder and cake to Spain

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Spain's imports of cocoa powder and cake fell in 2020 to 87 502 tonnes, a 9.5% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports declined by 6.2%, averaging an annual drop of 2.1%. The peak import volume was in 2019 at 96 685 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 2.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Côte d'Ivoire (48.3% of import volume), Ghana (18.0%), and Indonesia (10.2%) were the main sources of cocoa powder and cake for Spain, together accounting for 76.5% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of decline, Spain's imports of cocoa powder and cake increased in 2020, reaching 137.7 million US dollars, a 14.7% rise year-over-year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 7.7%, with an average annual decline of 2.6%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 120.0 million US dollars, and the largest drop was in 2018 at 17.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Côte d'Ivoire (44.4% of import value), Ghana (15.6%), and Indonesia (10.1%) led as the top suppliers of cocoa powder and cake to Spain, with their combined share reaching 70.0% of total import value.

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

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