The Europe cocoa market reached a value of USD 9.40 Billion in 2025, with growth expected over the forecast period driven by rising demand and evolving consumer preferences.
The Europe cocoa market is undergoing significant transformation, driven by a combination of technological advancements and sustainability initiatives. Noteworthy is the launch of the Cultured Hub in Kemptthal, Switzerland, by Bühler, Givaudan, and Migros in December 2024. This cutting-edge facility focuses on developing sustainable products, including cocoa, and features state-of-the-art labs for fermentation, cell culture, and food innovation. Such innovations enhance Europe’s competitive position in the global cocoa market, meeting growing consumer demand for ethically sourced and environmentally responsible products. Additionally, Lindt & Sprüngli’s USD 113.62 million expansion of its Lindt Cocoa Centre in May 2024 further strengthens the region’s cocoa processing capacity. The expansion doubles its processing output and introduces new production lines and labs, positioning Lindt as a leader in premium cocoa processing with an emphasis on sustainability.
Further innovations in the European market include a breakthrough by Swiss scientists in August 2024, who developed a method to utilize the entire cocoa fruit, including the pulp, juice, and husk, thereby reducing reliance on cocoa beans alone. This process, created at the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich with KOA’s support, reduces waste, lowers operational costs, and increases farmer incomes. The initiative has the potential to revolutionize cocoa production by creating more sustainable and cost-efficient practices. Additionally, in January 2025, Fairtrade International, in partnership with Proforest and Fairtrade Africa, launched a project to promote deforestation-free cocoa. Supported by Germany’s Fairtrade and the International Climate Initiative (IKI), the project aims to help 14,000 smallholder farmers comply with EU sustainability regulations, bolstering the development of resilient and sustainable cocoa supply chains in Europe. These combined efforts solidify Europe cocoa market and set a clear direction for future growth in the sector.
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As per the USDA, the EU imported $34.53 Million Chocolate & Cocoa Products from the US in 2023.
As per the European Union, Europe’s total imports of cocoa beans amounted to over 1.7 million tonnes in 2022.
As per the Unione Italiana Food, Italy produced about 378,760 tons of chocolate products for final consumption in 2022.
Several trends and developments are being observed in the market to enhance the current situation. Some of the noteworthy trends are as follows:
Innovation in cocoa production is gaining momentum as the industry faces climate pressure, rising costs, and unstable supply. Technological advancements now offer scalable methods to meet demand while reducing environmental impact and land use. Swiss start-up Food Brewer is developing cocoa from cell cultures, using nutrient-rich bioreactors. With plans to market by 2026 and large-scale output by 2035, the technology offers local production and a reduced environmental impact, appealing to manufacturers and sustainability-focused consumers.
The EU Deforestation Regulation, effective from December 2025, is accelerating the cocoa sector’s shift toward digital traceability. This creates strong market opportunities for tech providers and exporters using satellite data, blockchain, and mobile tools to verify farm-level sourcing. With traceability now required for the plot of land, verified cocoa supply chains can unlock premium pricing, ensure regulatory compliance , and attract sustainability-conscious buyers, positioning digital traceability as a compliance necessity and a competitive advantage in the market.
Income accelerator programs in cocoa farming offer financial incentives for outcomes like agroforestry, education, and income diversification. Nestlé’s model boosted productivity and income, supporting sustainable practices, improving farmer livelihoods, and driving ethical cocoa production aligned with community and environmental goals.
For continued growth in Europe cocoa market, manufacturers are transforming their sourcing and processing as consumers seek cleaner, authentic tastes. Barry Callebaut’s second-generation chocolate, launched in October 2022, applies the Cocoa Cultivation & Craft principle, reengineering cocoa farming, fermentation, and roasting to enhance each bean’s flavour.
The commissioning of PRONATEC AG's organic cocoa processing plant in Beringen, Switzerland, in September 2022 highlights a key trend driving the European cocoa market. With state-of-the-art Bühler equipment, the plant produces high-quality cocoa mass, butter, and powder, integrating advanced automation, energy efficiency, and full traceability into its operations. This facility is an example of how modernized cocoa processing plants can strengthen Europe's position in the global market by meeting the increasing demand for sustainable, traceable, and efficient cocoa products.
The Expert Market Research’s report titled “Europe Cocoa Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by Cocoa Product Type
Cocoa Butter dominates the Europe cocoa market. The growth of the segment is attributed to the Europe largest chocolate consumption market with an average annual consumption of 5 kg per capita. Further market of cocoa liquor is seeing significant growth in the market attributing to its antioxidant rich properties and its use in low-sugar products. For instance, in countries like France, where dark chocolate accounted for 30% of total consumption in 2023, cocoa liquor plays a key role in the development of premium and health-oriented products. Cocoa powder on other hand has seen good market growth accounting for around 15.2% of market share in 2024.
Market Breakup by Cocoa Application
Food and Beverages application is the largest segment in European cocoa market, the market grew from 0.82% CAGR in historic period of 2018-2022 to 3.78% CAGR in forecast period of 2023-2024. Withing food and beverage sector European bakery and confectionery sector is growing rapidly driven by continuous innovations and consumer demand. For example, In 2021, Ferrero launched premium chocolate bars, with seven flavour variants. The seven flavours of Rocher bars include milk, 55% dark, and white chocolate, combined with hazelnuts, almonds, and salted caramel . Along with the growth in food and beverage sector, the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sector are also driving the Europe cocoa market.
Market Breakup by Country
The Netherlands has been the leading player in Europe cocoa market for a long time. The country has one of the largest cocoa processing industries in the world, featuring some of the biggest warehouses and manufacturing facilities. The Port of Amsterdam is crucial, as it handles a large portion of cocoa imports and exports across Europe. While Germany, France, Italy, and the UK participate in Europe’s cocoa market, their contributions are smaller compared to those of the Netherlands. Most of the cocoa that arrives in the Netherlands is re-exported, whether as cocoa beans, derivatives, or finished products. These factors make the Netherlands an important cocoa hub, both in Europe and worldwide.
Rising Consumer Preferences Boost Cocoa Butter Market Growth in Europe Cocoa Market
Cocoa butter is the largest and fastest-growing segment in the European cocoa products market. The growth of this segment is largely driven by the increasing consumer preference for milk chocolate that contains higher cocoa content and less sugar, particularly in Western and Eastern Europe. As consumers continue to seek healthier, more indulgent chocolate options, manufacturers are adjusting their products to meet these demands. This healthier shift in consumer behaviour is ultimately driving the cocoa butter market, making it a dominant product type in in Europe cocoa product market.
Food and Beverage Sector Thrives Due to Increasing Market Demand
The food and beverage segment dominates the European cocoa market, accounting for over 90% of the market share in 2024. This sector remains the largest and most stable, driven by the persistent global demand for chocolate and cocoa-based products. Europe is a major producer of chocolate, with countries like Germany leading production. The segment has experienced steady growth, with a CAGR of 0.82% from 2018 to 2022, and is projected to continue expanding. Despite emerging trends in other sectors, food and beverages maintain their dominance due to cocoa’s integral role in chocolate production.
The cosmetics and pharmaceuticals sector within the European cocoa market is experiencing significant growth. This growth is largely driven by cocoa’s skin-hydrating benefits, which make it a valuable ingredient in lotions, creams, and other skincare products. As consumer demand for natural and effective skincare solutions rises, the appeal of cocoa-based products continues to grow. With Europe’s pharmaceutical market also expanding at a rate of 5.4% annually, cocoa’s role in beauty and healthcare products is becoming increasingly prominent, reinforcing its position as a key growth driver.
Netherlands at the Forefront of Europe’s Cocoa Growth Fueled by Demand for Premium Products
The Netherlands has the largest share of the European cocoa market. A significant part of this market is due to its cocoa processing capabilities. The country’s key position in the industry comes from its efficient logistics and strong infrastructure. The Port of Amsterdam plays a vital role by managing large amounts of cocoa imports and exports. As a major player, the Netherlands is responsible for nearly one-third of Europe's cocoa grindings. This strength in processing makes the Netherlands a key hub for the European and global cocoa industry, supporting its strong market presence.
France, with a market share of 8.5%, is the fastest-growing area in the European cocoa market. This growth comes from rising consumer demand for premium cocoa products and an expanding processing sector. The country’s commitment to developing its cocoa industry, along with increasing imports and investments in cocoa processing, has helped its rapid market growth. France’s strategic efforts and growing need for high-quality cocoa products are driving its success in the global cocoa trade. The expected market growth shows France’s strengthening role in Europe’s cocoa market, with a positive outlook for the next few years.
Key players in the European cocoa market are stepping up efforts to increase production. They aim to meet the rising demand for high-quality cocoa while following sustainable practices. The focus is shifting to using better agricultural techniques, such as precision farming and agroforestry, to improve yields and lower environmental impact. Major companies in Europe are complying with the EU’s strict sustainability standards, which include a deforestation-free cocoa sourcing rule. Additionally, to strengthen the European cocoa supply chain further, investments are being made.
Nestlé S.A., established in 1867 and headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland, is one of the world's largest food and beverage companies. With a strong portfolio in the cocoa industry, Nestlé produces a variety of chocolate products under well-known brands like KitKat, Nescafé, and others. The company places a significant emphasis on sustainability and ethical sourcing, especially in the cocoa supply chain.
Mondelez International, Inc., headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a global leader in the snack and confectionery industry. Founded in 2012, it owns some of the world’s most recognized chocolate brands, including Oreo, Toblerone, and Cadbury. Mondelēz has a strong focus on the cocoa market and has made significant strides in sourcing cocoa responsibly. The company’s Cocoa Life program aims to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers while ensuring sustainable cocoa production. Mondelēz’s global reach, innovative products, and commitment to sustainability have made it a major player in the cocoa and confectionery sectors.
Mars, Incorporated, founded in 1911 and based in McLean, Virginia, is a global leader in the food, pet care, and chocolate industries. Known for its famous chocolate brands such as M&M’s, Snickers, and Dove, Mars is a significant player in the global cocoa market. The company prioritizes sustainable cocoa sourcing and has implemented several programs aimed at improving the welfare of cocoa farmers through its Mars Cocoa for Generations initiative.
GCB Cocoa UK Ltd, established in 1995 and based in the United Kingdom, is a leading company in the cocoa industry. The company specializes in the sourcing, processing, and distribution of premium cocoa products, focusing on sustainability and ethical sourcing practices. As part of the global GCB Cocoa group, GCB Cocoa UK Ltd is committed to supporting sustainable cocoa farming and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*
Other key players in the Europe cocoa market are Forever Cocoa, , Cargill Incorporated, Barry Callebaut AG, PRONATEC AG, Touton S.A., Cemoi Group, ECOM Agroindustrial Crop. Limited, Crown of Holland, among others.
• Comprehensive quantitative analysis of Europe cocoa market trends.
• Region-wise and segment-wise breakdown for accurate market forecasting.
• Insights into key drivers, challenges, and emerging industry opportunities.
• Competitive landscape profiling of top cocoa companies.
• Supply chain analysis with technological and infrastructure developments.
• Trusted industry insights backed by real-world data and expertise.
• Customised reports tailored to your specific business needs.
• Up-to-date trends and forecasts across cocoa sectors.
• Extensive coverage of emerging and established cocoa markets.
Unlock valuable insights by downloading a free sample of the Europe Cocoa Market Report. Stay ahead with expert analysis of market trends, growth drivers, and strategic forecasts. Learn how key players are shaping the future of Europe cocoa market and gain a competitive edge in this evolving sector.
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*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*
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In 2025, the market reached an approximate value of USD 9.40 Billion.
The key players in the market report include Nestle S.A., Mondelez International Inc., Mars Incorporated, Forever Cacaco, GCB CococaUK ltd, Cargill Incorporated, Barry Callebaut AG, PRONATEC AG, Touton S.A., Cemoi Group, ECOM Agroindustrial Crop. Limited, Crown of Holland, among others.
Cocoa Butter is the dominant segment in the cocoa market, driven by its excellent functional properties, versatility, and strong market demand.
Key strategies driving growth in the European cocoa production market include increased investment in sustainable and energy-efficient processing technologies, as seen with the commissioning of PRONATEC AG's cocoa processing plant in Switzerland. The adoption of advanced automation and full traceability systems enhances product quality and transparency, aligning with rising consumer demand for ethically sourced cocoa. Additionally, the focus on innovation and collaboration between cocoa producers and equipment suppliers is improving production efficiency. Strengthening sustainability practices and meeting regulatory standards are also essential factors propelling the growth of the cocoa production market in Europe.
Explore our key highlights of the report and gain a concise overview of key findings, trends, and actionable insights that will empower your strategic decisions.
| REPORT FEATURES | DETAILS |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2019-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
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| Breakup by Product Type |
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| Breakup by Application |
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| Breakup by Country |
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| Market Dynamics |
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| Competitive Landscape |
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| Companies Covered |
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