Cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste market in Americas

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for cocoa shells, husks, skins and other cocoa waste in the Americas declined from 208 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 195.9 thousand tonnes in 2020. This downward trend reversed sharply in 2021, when the market expanded to 227.8 thousand tonnes. This growth coincided with a peak in US prices for these cocoa by-products, which reached $1.23 per kg, reflecting heightened market demand and tight supply conditions.

Market volume then contracted to 203.9 thousand tonnes in 2022, a period during which prices for cocoa waste corrected and stabilized around $1.06 per kg. The decline continued into 2023, with the market falling to 190.1 thousand tonnes. During these years, a significant industry trend emerged, characterized by growing interest in valorizing cocoa waste for sustainable applications such as functional foods, beverages, and biofuels, driven by circular economy principles and increasing consumer demand for sustainable practices.

Entering 2024, the broader cocoa market context was shaped by historic highs in cocoa bean prices due to extreme weather, crop diseases, and a global supply deficit, particularly in West Africa. Simultaneously, processing capacity for cocoa expanded in Brazil, and major companies launched innovative product lines in the US, reinforcing the long-term shift towards sustainable utilization of cocoa by-products.

Production cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste in Americas

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste, 2017-2020

World map of production of cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste, 2017-2020

Production of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste in the Americas declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 191.7 thousand tonnes, representing a 6.2% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 3.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 207.1 thousand tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 4.0% also occurring that year.

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

Exports cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste from Americas

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2020, showing a 3.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, cross-border shipments of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste from the Americas totaled 441 tonnes, a sharp decline of 65.3% compared to the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1,404 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 75.4% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste from the Americas were traded with numerous countries. Even the top three destinations—Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium—collectively accounted for only 30.5% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values for cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste from the Americas declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 805 thousand US dollars, down 39.1% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 15.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.6%. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 1,425 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-on-year increase of 49.0% also occurring that year.

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

During 2017–2020, export values for cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste from the Americas were relatively evenly distributed. The Netherlands (24.2% of export value), Spain (13.4%), and Belgium (7.2%) together accounted for only 44.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste to Americas

Imports in kind, t

Imports of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste into the Americas increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported approximately 4,661 tonnes, which is 42.8% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 214%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 46.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Ghana (59.6% of import volume), Indonesia (7.5%), and Turkey (3.2%) were the key partners for imports in volume terms, together accounting for 70.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values for cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste into the Americas increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 1,316 thousand US dollars, marking a 9.0% increase over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import values grew by 96.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 25.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ghana (45.3% of import value), Indonesia (4.5%), and Turkey (2.5%) together accounted for 52.2% of total import value, remaining the primary sources for cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste imported into the Americas.

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

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