Cocoa powder and cake market in Switzerland

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Swiss cocoa powder and cake market volume grew to 22,153 t in 2019, then fell to 19,998 t. The initial increase was supported by rising demand for cocoa powder in bakery and confectionery, linked to the growing popularity of American and French sweet goods. The contraction in 2020 coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily reduced export activity in the chocolate industry.

Market volume recovered to 21,722 t in 2021, driven by post-pandemic demand resurgence and a growing trend for high-quality cocoa products, including cocoa powder for bean-to-bar concepts. Volume reached 22,197 t in 2022, supported by the opening of Switzerland's first pure organic cocoa factory, which expanded domestic production capacity for cocoa mass, butter, and powder.

In 2023, market volume declined to 19,576 t. During this period, consumer preferences continued shifting toward premium and organic products, while record-high cocoa prices accelerated industry innovation in using substitutes to reduce cocoa powder content in final chocolate and bakery items.

Production cocoa powder and cake in Switzerland

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland ranked as the 22nd largest producer of cocoa powder and cake globally.

Top producers of cocoa powder and cake, 2017-2020

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

Following two years of growth, cocoa powder and cake production in Switzerland experienced a decline. In 2020, Switzerland produced 15 639 tonnes of cocoa powder and cake, representing a 10.2% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production overall increased by 2.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The peak production occurred in 2019 at 17 414 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 9.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of cocoa powder and cake in Switzerland was valued at 101.5 million US dollars, reflecting an 18.0% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 23.5%, with an average annual decline of 8.6%. The largest increase in value was recorded in 2019 at 4.7%.

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

Exports cocoa powder and cake from Switzerland

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Switzerland exported 169 tonnes of cocoa powder and cake, showing a sharp increase of 52.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 17%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.4%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 111 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 182 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 39.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, France, and China were the primary buyers of cocoa powder and cake from Switzerland, accounting for 21.7%, 19.7%, and 10.5% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries formed 51.9% of Switzerland's total exports in kind during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Switzerland's cocoa powder and cake exports were valued at 1 097 thousand US dollars, indicating a significant rise of 39.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 12.9%, with an average annual decline of 4.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 789 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 1 350 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 41.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, France, and the United Kingdom were the largest buyers of cocoa powder and cake from Switzerland in value terms, with shares of 32.9%, 10.5%, and 9.9% of exports, respectively. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 53.3% of Switzerland's total export value during this period.

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

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

Imports cocoa powder and cake to Switzerland

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, cocoa powder and cake imports into Switzerland declined. In 2020, import volume totaled 4 528 tonnes, marking a modest decrease of 6.6% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 5.7%, with an average annual decline of 2.0%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 4 850 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 0.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands dominated Switzerland's import structure for cocoa powder and cake in kind, holding a 75.8% share of total flows. Other markets contributed relatively smaller shares during this time.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of decline, cocoa powder and cake imports into Switzerland increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 14 571 thousand US dollars, showing a modest gain of 6.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 2.3%, with an average annual decline of 0.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 13 721 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 4.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands remained the dominant source for Switzerland's cocoa powder and cake imports in value terms, accounting for 72.4% of total flows. The remainder was distributed across various other markets.

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

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