Not defatted cocoa paste market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Brazilian market for not defatted cocoa paste expanded significantly, with production rising by over 20% to 244 thousand tons. This growth was driven by the expansion of cocoa cultivation into new regions, such as western Bahia, where agricultural investments and full-sun farming systems increased output. Additionally, a leap in the quality of Brazilian cocoa and advantageous trade agreements, particularly within Mercosur, spurred export demand for cocoa derivatives, further stimulating domestic production and raising the market value to nearly $929 million.

The market contracted in 2022, with production falling by 13.7% to 211 thousand tons and market value dropping to $809 million. This decline was primarily caused by production challenges in the traditional growing region of Bahia, where aging cocoa orchards and the spread of witches' broom disease reduced yields. By 2023, production recovered to 229 thousand tons, and the market value approached $949 million, reflecting a rebound from the previous year's supply constraints.

Production not defatted cocoa paste in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil maintained the sixth position globally in terms of production volume for not defatted cocoa paste.

Top producers of not defatted cocoa paste, 2018-2021

World map of production of not defatted cocoa paste, 2018-2021

In 2021, Brazil produced 244.4 thousand tonnes of not defatted cocoa paste, marking a robust 14.6% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 20.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, when production fell by 0.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, the output of not defatted cocoa paste in Brazil was valued at 953.8 million US dollars, representing a 22.1% increase from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production value rose by 29.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.9%. The most significant drop was recorded in 2020, with a 4.4% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports not defatted cocoa paste from Brazil

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Brazil's exports of not defatted cocoa paste rebounded in 2021. Exports reached 6 791 tonnes, reflecting a 25.5% gain from the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 5 411 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 15.8% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Brazil's export structure in kind was dominated by Argentina, which accounted for 76.1% of total flows. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decrease, Brazil's cross-border shipments of not defatted cocoa paste increased in 2021. Exports amounted to 26 500 thousand US dollars, which is 33.8% higher than in 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 8.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 19 811 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 11.1% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Argentina concentrated 75.1% of Brazil's total export value for not defatted cocoa paste. The remaining volume was distributed among numerous countries, each with smaller individual shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021

Imports not defatted cocoa paste to Brazil

Imports in kind, t

Brazil's imports of not defatted cocoa paste increased for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching 415 tonnes, a 0.7% gain compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 11.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 280 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 40.2%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2020 with a 47.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

During 2018-2021, the United States (29.4% of imports in kind), Côte d'Ivoire (22.0%), and Ecuador (18.7%) emerged as the main sources for Brazil's imports of not defatted cocoa paste. Together, these three countries represented 70.1% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Brazil's imports of not defatted cocoa paste amounted to 1 634 thousand US dollars, representing an 11.7% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, import value fell by 21.6%, equating to an annualized rate of -7.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 185 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 43.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2020 with a 56.1% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, the United States (33.0% of imports in value terms), Côte d'Ivoire (20.7%), and Ecuador (16.5%) formed the core group of markets for Brazil's imports of not defatted cocoa paste. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 70.2% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021