Filled chocolate bars market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for filled chocolate bars in Italy declined from 137.6 thousand t in 2018 to 121.4 thousand t in 2019, then edged up to 125.3 thousand t in 2020. The subsequent period saw a strong rebound, with volume reaching 146.0 thousand t in 2021, driven by the launch of new organic and health-oriented products such as sugar-free bars with chicory root and the entry of new brands alongside segment expansions by established players like Ferrero.

This growth trajectory continued through 2022 and 2023, with volumes peaking at 187.9 thousand t, supported by ongoing innovation and consumer interest in premium segments, even in the absence of specific reported annual drivers.

In 2024, market volume contracted to 153.1 thousand t, primarily due to a crisis in the cocoa supply chain caused by extreme weather events and crop diseases that tripled cocoa prices over three years. Concurrently, the market value rose to 1 006 million USD, driven by consumer shifts toward dark chocolate and plant-based products, as well as the implementation of the EU deforestation regulation that affected sourcing practices.

Production filled chocolate bars in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of filled chocolate bars has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 682.3 million US dollars, marking a strong 17.5% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 2.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 571.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 13.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Italy produced 127.9 thousand tonnes of filled chocolate bars, showing a moderate 3.9% increase from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 27.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 8.5%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 137.5 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 37.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 10.5%.

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

Exports filled chocolate bars from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of filled chocolate bars have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 24 109 tonnes, representing a 7.2% year-on-year advance. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 30.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 9.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Germany, and Poland were the largest buyers of filled chocolate bars from Italy, accounting for 17.3%, 13.7%, and 6.8% of exports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share was only 37.8% of total exports, indicating a diversified country structure.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Italy's exports of filled chocolate bars have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 169.1 million US dollars, up by 5.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 15.1%, with an annualized rate of 4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, filled chocolate bars from Italy were traded with numerous countries. Even the top destinations—France, Germany, and Poland—together accounted for only 39.7% of total exports in value terms, highlighting a broad market reach.

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

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

Imports filled chocolate bars to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of filled chocolate bars have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 21 431 tonnes, up by 2.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 13.9%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 4.4%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Germany, the Netherlands, and France were the leading suppliers of filled chocolate bars to Italy, with shares of 47.2%, 26.4%, and 6.4% of imports in kind, respectively. Their combined contribution reached 80.0% of total imports, showing a concentrated supply structure.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Italy imported 129.0 million US dollars worth of filled chocolate bars, showing a 10.6% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 18.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a drop of 0.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and France stood out as the main sources for Italy's imports of filled chocolate bars in value terms, with shares of 51.7%, 15.6%, and 11.3%, respectively. Together, they represented 78.6% of total import flows.

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

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