Cocoa powder and cake market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The cocoa powder and cake market in Western Asia began the period at 91 663 tons in 2018 and grew steadily to a peak of 121 383 tons in 2020. This initial expansion was underpinned by robust global cocoa production, notably from Côte d'Ivoire as the world's leading supplier, and a rising international interest in cocoa for its applications in confectionery and its perceived health benefits.

Following the peak, market volume entered a contraction phase, declining to 116 165 tons in 2021 and further to 100 818 tons in 2022. This two-year downturn coincided with shifts in regional trade and consumption patterns.

A strong recovery occurred in 2023, with market volume rebounding to 120 201 tons and its value jumping to 440.5 million USD. This resurgence was primarily fueled by shifting consumer preferences towards premium cocoa products and alkalized cocoa powder. Concurrently, deteriorating climatic conditions and disease outbreaks in West African growing regions constrained global supply, contributing to significant price increases that amplified the market's value growth.

Production cocoa powder and cake in Western Asia

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

Western Asia's cocoa powder and cake production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 71 295 tonnes, marking a significant 19.9% rise compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 30.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.2%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 53 749 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 1.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Western Asia's cocoa powder and cake production value has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 182.0 million US dollars, representing a 9.4% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 33.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.2%. The minimum value occurred in 2018 at 128.3 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 5.6% that year. The largest increase was in 2019, at 29.7%.

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

Exports cocoa powder and cake from Western Asia

Exports in kind, t

Western Asia exported 24 046 tonnes of cocoa powder and cake in 2020, showing a strong 19.7% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 51.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 14.9%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 0.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 27.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Egypt remained the top buyers of cocoa powder and cake from Western Asia. Iran accounted for 44.8% of exports in kind, Uzbekistan for 5.4%, and Egypt for 3.4%. Together, these three countries represented 53.6% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cocoa powder and cake exports from Western Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 61.4 million US dollars, up 9.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 56%, with an annualized growth rate of 16.0%.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Egypt were the largest contributors to export value. Iran made up 44.5% of exports in value terms, Uzbekistan 5.0%, and Egypt 2.8%. Collectively, they accounted for 52.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cocoa powder and cake to Western Asia

Imports in kind, t

Cocoa powder and cake imports into Western Asia have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 74 134 tonnes, a 13.0% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 38.4%, with an annualized rate of 11.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Germany were the leading suppliers of cocoa powder and cake to Western Asia. The Netherlands accounted for 27.7% of imports in kind, Malaysia for 13.7%, and Germany for 8.5%. However, their combined share was 49.9% of total imports, indicating a diversified supplier base.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cocoa powder and cake imports into Western Asia have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value reached 183.4 million US dollars, a robust 23.4% improvement over 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 34.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.4%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 show that imports in value terms were not heavily concentrated. The Netherlands accounted for 28.9% of imports in value terms, Malaysia for 11.7%, and Germany for 9.3%. Together, these three countries represented only 49.9% of total import flows, reflecting a diverse sourcing structure.

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

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