Not defatted cocoa paste market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

The Colombian not defatted cocoa paste market expanded from 2018 to 2019, with volume rising from 67 868 t to 70 647 t. A sharp contraction in 2020 reduced the market to 38 989 t, followed by a gradual recovery that reached 41 457 t by 2023.

The recovery phase was reinforced by increased technological adoption and production improvements among cocoa growers, which enhanced quality and output. Exports gained momentum, including shipments of not defatted cocoa paste to Mexico worth US$1.36 million, while broader cocoa product exports doubled to US$265.1 million in 2024, driven by strong demand from the United States.

Government support through policies and partnerships, such as those between the Rural Development Agency and producer associations, stimulated commercialization. Colombia's growing reputation as a supplier of fine aroma cocoa and new trade agreements, including a tariff reduction deal with Canada, improved market access and supported future growth expectations.

Production not defatted cocoa paste in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Colombia was among the world's leading producers of not defatted cocoa paste from 2017 to 2020, ranking 15th globally by production volume.

Top producers of not defatted cocoa paste, 2017-2020

World map of production of not defatted cocoa paste, 2017-2020

Colombia's production of not defatted cocoa paste increased for two years before declining. In 2020, the country produced 40 154 tonnes, marking a sharp 44.2% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 37.3%, with an average annual decline of 14.4%. The highest output was recorded in 2019 at 71 903 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 8.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Colombia in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Colombia's production of not defatted cocoa paste rose for two years before decreasing. In 2020, the output was valued at 152.0 million US dollars, a 44.8% reduction compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value declined by 42.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 17.0%. The peak value was in 2019 at 275.2 million US dollars, with the largest increase recorded that same year at 3.0%.

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

Exports not defatted cocoa paste from Colombia

Exports in kind, t

Colombia's exports of not defatted cocoa paste declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 1 209 tonnes, showing a modest 5.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 31.3%, with an average annual decline of 11.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for Colombia's not defatted cocoa paste exports were Argentina, Russia, and Trinidad and Tobago, which together accounted for 54.1% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Colombia's exports of not defatted cocoa paste declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports were valued at 4 577 thousand US dollars, representing a measured 6.1% year-on-year drop. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 37.5%, with an average annual decline of 14.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina, Russia, and Trinidad and Tobago were consistently the main destinations for Colombia's not defatted cocoa paste exports in value terms. Argentina accounted for 29.9% of export value, Russia for 14.6%, and Trinidad and Tobago for 11.2%, together making up 55.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports not defatted cocoa paste to Colombia

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of not defatted cocoa paste into Colombia showed volatility during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Colombia imported 44 tonnes, reflecting a substantial 162.9% increase year-on-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 13.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Peru, Ecuador, and Italy were the primary suppliers of not defatted cocoa paste to Colombia. Peru accounted for 46.9% of import volumes, Ecuador for 18.3%, and Italy for 8.9%, together comprising 74.1% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Colombia's imports of not defatted cocoa paste increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 1 000 thousand US dollars, showing a strong 16.9% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 53%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Peru, Italy, and Ecuador consistently remained the main sources of not defatted cocoa paste imports into Colombia in value terms. Peru accounted for 46.9% of import value, Italy for 18.3%, and Ecuador for 17.9%, together representing 83.0% of total flows.

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

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