Cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the market volume for cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste in South America increased from 88 000 t to 95 000 t. This growth was supported by the steady expansion of the Latin American cocoa market, driven by rising consumption in confectionery, bakery, cosmetics and food supplements, alongside the development of premium and artisanal chocolate segments which boosted processing activity. However, in 2020, government restrictions and health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily reduced production and processing, causing the market volume to contract to 92 000 t.

The market recovered to 101 000 t in 2021 as pandemic restrictions eased and sustainable technologies were adopted, with production expanding in non-traditional areas of Brazil. A decline to 94 000 t followed in 2022. By 2023, volume reached 96 000 t, influenced by the beginning of a severe supply crisis in West Africa due to extreme weather and diseases. This crisis raised global cocoa prices and accelerated production growth in Brazil, increasing demand for cocoa derivatives including waste for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

In 2024, the global cocoa crisis intensified with supply shortages in West Africa pushing prices to record highs. In South America, particularly Brazil, cultivation area expanded and significant private investments flowed into productivity improvements, although cocoa processing in Brazil temporarily fell. These developments, alongside a growing focus on circular economy practices, continued to shape the market for cocoa waste.

Production cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, 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

South America's production of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste saw a decline after two years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 88 068 tonnes, marking a 5.5% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production rose by 5.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The peak was reached in 2019 with 93 223 tonnes, and that year also recorded the largest increase at 7.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste from South America

Exports in kind, t

Exports of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste from South America fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 370 tonnes, a sharp drop of 43.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports declined by 55.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -23.9%. The highest export volume was in 2018 at 879 tonnes, and that year also saw the largest increase of 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export destinations for cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste from South America were quite diverse. Panama accounted for 12.3% of exports, the Netherlands for 7.5%, and Belgium for 7.2%, together making up just 27.0% of total flows. The remaining 73.0% was distributed among a wide array of other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste exports from South America decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 610 thousand US dollars, down 28.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value fell by 29.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.2%. The peak was in 2018 at 1 012 thousand US dollars, and that year also recorded the largest increase of 16.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South America exported cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste to a broad range of markets. The Netherlands led with 24.0% of export value, followed by Panama at 10.9% and Spain at 8.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for only 43.4% of total export value, while the remaining 56.6% came from numerous smaller destinations.

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

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

Imports cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste to South America

Imports in kind, t

Imports of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste into South America grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 4 357 tonnes, a significant increase of 66.7% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 217.1%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 46.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ghana dominated the import structure for cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste into South America, accounting for 64.5% of imports. Indonesia followed with 8.1%, and Turkey with 3.4%. Together, these three countries represented 76.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste imports into South America rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 103 thousand US dollars, showing a dramatic increase of 42.2% from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 78.9%, with an average annual rate of 21.4%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, three key markets—Ghana, Indonesia, and Panama—collectively absorbed 67.9% of the total import value for cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste into South America.

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

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