The GCC cocoa products and industrial chocolate market size was valued at USD 779.24 Million in 2025. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.70% during the forecast period of 2026-2035 to reach a valuation of USD 1356.50 Million by 2035.
The market is driven by the rising large-scale production of baked goods, biscuits, and molded confectionery in the GCC supports steady demand for compound chocolate, while couverture chocolate demand is rising, driven by the growth of premium dessert menus, luxury hotel offerings, and the expansion of artisanal chocolate boutiques in the region. For example, in January 2023, Bahrain Exports supported Chocolat & Co., a premium chocolate producer, to scale its reach across the GCC, South Asia, and new global markets, reinforcing the GCC cocoa products and industrial chocolate market growth.
Base Year
Historical Period
Forecast Period
Compound Annual Growth Rate
5.7%
Value in USD Million
2026-2035
*this image is indicative*
With changing consumer tastes towards distinctive, culturally relevant experiences, confectionery companies are finding more and more regional desserts and ingredients becoming adopted, meeting changing tastes and luxury indulgence, and fueling growth of the GCC cocoa products and industrial chocolate market. In April 2025, Swiss luxury chocolatier Läderach launched a limited‑edition "FrischSchoggi" bar in Saudi Arabia with dark chocolate, raspberry pieces, and crunchy pistachios.
Strong consumer affinity for high-end indulgence, growing café culture, and rising health awareness are transforming the market. In May 2025, Mars Gulf rolled out a limited-edition "Pistachio Kunafa" variant of Galaxy chocolate in the UAE and Qatar, containing milk chocolate and a pistachio and crunchy kunafa center. Increasing strategic investments, local production, and global brand entry are also fueling high demand for innovative and high-quality products in the region.
The increasing consumer demand for natural ingredients is driving a major opportunity for the GCC cocoa products and industrial chocolate market development. Through the use of natural flavor, sweeteners, and sustainable ingredients, manufacturers meet differentiated products aimed at an increasingly health- and quality-focused market. Callebaut introduced NXT in Saudi Arabia in October 2022, a 100% dairy-free, plant-based chocolate range for vegan and allergen-aware consumers.
As GCC consumers increasingly value products that resonate with regional identity, brands are localizing their products to engage GCC consumers. In June 2025, Petit Gourmet's "Pistachio Kunafa" chocolate was introduced at Sharjah Duty Free by Kreol Travel Retail, combining local dessert flavors with high-end packaging to target both regional consumers and travelers. This approach promotes emotional connection and spurs consumer loyalty in a culturally sensitive market.
The industrial chocolate and cocoa products demand in the GCC is seeing a rise in artisanal and boutique chocolate brands that focus on craftsmanship, clean labels, and distinctive formulations. Saudi-based Vlinder Chocolate released bars inspired by desserts popular in the Middle East, such as baklava, tahini, and kunafa, combining gourmet chocolate with well-known regional flavors. These introductions reflect consumers' desire for bespoke, small-batch, and high-quality offerings, creating an opportunity for future innovation in the premium category.
The EMR’s report titled “GCC Cocoa Products and Industrial Chocolate Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
GCC Cocoa Products Market Breakup by Type
Key Insight: Cocoa powder represents a major segment, owing to its wide application across bakery, dairy, beverage, and dessert industries. Its versatility, long shelf life, and relatively lower cost compared to other cocoa derivatives make it a preferred ingredient among manufacturers. Reflecting this trend, Saudi Arabia’s Bateel International launched its artisan cocoa powder line in 2024, catering to the region’s growing demand for premium and locally curated chocolate ingredients.
GCC Cocoa Products Market by Application
Key Insight: The confectionery segment leads the GCC cocoa products and industrial chocolate market, driven by rising consumer demand for premium chocolates, gifting culture, and indulgent snacking. Additionally, local artisanal brands like Vlinder Chocolate in Saudi Arabia are introducing unique Middle Eastern dessert-inspired flavors like Baklava & Pistachio, meeting demand for culturally resonant treats. In October 2024, Vlinder Chocolate, a Saudi‑Arabia‑based brand, introduced filled chocolate bars with flavors like “Crispy Kunafa & Pistachio” and “Crispy Baklava & Pistachio”, fusing traditional Middle Eastern desserts with premium chocolate craftsmanship.
GCC Cocoa Products Market by Country
Key Insight: Saudi Arabia is the dominant region in the market, driven by its large population, well-developed food processing sector, and strong demand from the confectionery, bakery, and hospitality industries. As per Macrotrends, Saudi Arabia’s total population for 2024 was 37,473,929, a 12.66% surge from 2023. The country’s expanding retail and foodservice infrastructure, along with increasing consumer preference for premium chocolate products, supports continued market growth.
GCC Industrial Chocolate Breakup by Type
Key Insight: Couverture chocolate maintains a dominant share in the GCC cocoa products and industrial chocolate market due to its superior quality, high cocoa butter content, and suitability for premium confectionery and bakery applications. It is widely preferred by artisanal chocolatiers, luxury food producers, and high-end hospitality sectors across the region. For instance, in January 2023, The Merchant House hotel in Manama launched “ChocoLAB at Café Gray”, a collaboration with award‑winning bean‑to‑bar brand AURO Chocolate, showcasing fine couverture creations.
GCC Industrial Chocolate Breakup by End User
Key Insight: Chocolatiers are at the forefront of the market, propelled by rising demand for artisanal and luxury chocolate experiences. In GCC, both boutique chocolatiers and international brands are expanding their footprint to cater to affluent locals and tourists seeking premium, handcrafted products. For example, in 2024, Lebanese luxury chocolatier Patchi enriched its Qatari offering with five new exotic flavors, including Cotton Candy, Cheesecake, and Peanut Butter, further strengthening the GCC cocoa products and industrial chocolate market dynamics.
GCC Industrial Chocolate Breakup by Country
Key Insight: Industrial chocolate demand is rising rapidly in Saudi Arabia due to a combination of economic, demographic, and cultural factors. Increasing disposable incomes and a predominantly young population are fueling higher consumption of chocolate-based products, particularly in indulgent formats. Seasonal gifting during festivals like Ramadan and Eid further boosts demand for large-scale chocolate production. In 2024, the Kingdom imported over 123 million kg of chocolate, a surge driven by seasonal demand around Eid al‑Fitr and festive promotions.
Cocoa powder to become popular in GCC
Cocoa butter is the largest segment in the GCC cocoa products and industrial chocolate industry, used extensively in the manufacture of chocolates, personal care items, and pharmaceuticals. Its contribution to imparting smooth texture and melt-in-the-mouth characteristic to chocolate makes it irreplaceable, particularly in premium and couverture chocolate items. K.L. Kris Food Industries displayed a product of high purity cocoa butter at the Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 exhibition, which was explained specifically for use in premium chocolate, bakery and confectionery,
Cocoa liquor, despite being a key component in chocolate making, has a smaller portion of the GCC market than cocoa butter. It is used as a base for both cocoa solids and cocoa butter and is majorly utilized by industrial producers and chocolatiers making dark and high-end chocolates. Demand is increasing steadily with rising bean-to-bar and craft chocolate consumerism. Specifically, artisan brands based in Saudi such as Vlinder Chocolate are adding premium quality cocoa liquor to bring richer flavor depth and authenticity to their Middle Eastern dessert-inspired bars.
GCC's diary market to see greater utilization of cocoa ingredients
In the GCC cocoa products and industrial chocolate market, the dairy segment has a larger share with consistent demand for chocolate flavored milk beverages, yogurts, and sip able dairy packaging among youth and families. These products benefit from large scale dairy production infrastructure across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, making them easier to distribute nationally. Reflecting this momentum, Almarai’s 2024 launch of its Super Choco Milk line in Saudi Arabia underscored the region’s growing appetite for indulgent yet convenient cocoa based dairy beverages.
The bakery market is gaining ground with cafés and high-end bakeries becoming more common, selling chocolate-flavored cakes, brownies and pastries. These formats tend to draw on cocoa liquids or cocoa butter from factory chocolate supply chains, to sell to niche premium consumers instead of mass market dairy beverage shoppers. For instance, an article quoted a UK bakery introducing a "Dubai Style Pistachio Brownie" as a response to GCC chocolate trends, evidencing crossover between confectionery/ bakery.
Skyrocketing demand for compound chocolate across GCC
Demand for compound chocolate continues to drive the GCC cocoa products and industrial chocolate market trends. The warm climate of the region, cost pressure and increasing foodservice are driving a structural benefit for compound chocolate applied to coatings, enrobing and fillings in industrial & bakery sectors. For example, exhibitor Far Eastern Impex at the 2025 Gulfood Manufacturing event in Dubai showcased "Compound Chocolate" for bakeries, hotels, and cafés.
Rising Bakery and Confectionery Demand for Cocoa & Chocolate
The bakery category leads because of heavy consumption of industrial chocolate in cakes, pastries, cookies, and other baked items. The category is boosted by increasing urbanization, premiumization, and growing café culture, which propel demand for luxury and artisanal baked foods. The establishment of Americana Group's gourmet chocolate cake brand in the UAE in 2024 is a case in point that shows the quest for premium quality and innovative products in the bakery category.
The HoReCa segment has a large GCC cocoa products and industrial chocolate industry share. The segment survives on the popularity of chocolate-based desserts, beverages, and confectionery at hospitality outlets. Worth noting is the 2024 launch of Godiva's luxury chocolate dessert range in upscale hotels in Qatar and the UAE, as consumers increasingly opt for sumptuous indulgences during dining experiences.
UAE to dominate the market owing to emerging innovations
The UAE market dominates the GCC cocoa products and industrial chocolate market driven largely by healthy retail infrastructure and active consumer demands. The industrial chocolate category is strongest due to the confectionery and bakery industries' strong demand. FIX Dessert Chocolatier's 2025 release of the "Time to Mango" white chocolate bar flavored with mango and passionfruit, released exclusively through Deliveroo and a pop-up event at Mall of the Emirates. This kind of high-end, experience-based product speaks to the UAE's desire for unique chocolate experiences.
Increased demand for sugar-free, gluten-free, and organic chocolate products in Qatar is compelling manufacturers to produce healthier versions of the same, like sugar-free milk chocolates or dark plant-based chocolates. With the imposition of sugar taxes and nutritional labeling, the government of Qatar is encouraging innovation in healthier confectionery, and as a result, compound chocolates with reduced sugar and natural ingredients are becoming more prominent. Brands are coming out with customized products to address regulatory requirements as well as changing consumer attitudes.
The GCC cocoa products and industrial chocolate industry is competitive, shaped by diverse consumer preferences and emerging industrial requirements. Considerable factors for competition are largely driven by product price, quality, consistently fulfilling consumer demand and commercially fulfilling large scale and customized requirements. Additionally, a rising interest in sustainable sourcing and increased attention to clean-label consumer-formulation is prompting innovation and new product differentiation, shaping the competitive landscape of the industry throughout the region.
Barry Callebaut AG is a leading global maker of premium chocolate and cocoa products. The company has been in business since 1996 and specializes in the sourcing and processing of cocoa beans and producing all types of chocolates and includes chocolate fillings, decorations, and compounds.
Established in 1865 and with its North American headquarters located in the United States, Cargill, Incorporated is part of a global food company that operates in agriculture, finance, and industrial products on a worldwide basis. Cargill Incorporated has moderate delivery options, and a supply chain, which is responsible for delivering finished products to customers in foodservice, retail, consumer-packaged goods businesses, and the Industrial sectors.
Lindt & Sprüngli, a chocolate maker that has been in business since 1845 and based in Switzerland, is part of the full production cycle that manages the entire cocoa bean supply chain, produces the cocoa mass, and finally, produces the finished cocoa product to the "bean to bar" category of chocolate. Lindt & Sprüngli style of "bean to bar prizes product consistency across all premium chocolates lots produced for all of their product offerings.
Fuji Oil Co., Ltd. established around 1950 is based in Japan as a company that delivers food need solutions through its advanced production technology and product portfolio in plant-based ingredients, as part of group network Bloomer brings the benefit of additional existing capabilities to the industrial chocolate business in Fuji Oil's plant-based focused food ingredient strategy.
*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 GCC Cocoa products and industrial chocolate market report are Cocoa Processing Company Limited (CPC), Puratos Group, Valrhona SAS, and Olam Food Ingredients (OFI), among others.
Unlock valuable insights into one of the fastest-growing segments in the region. Download your free sample of the GCC cocoa products and industrial chocolate market report today to explore emerging opportunities, key growth drivers, and strategic trends shaping the industry in 2026 and beyond. Stay ahead of competitors with expert analysis of GCC cocoa market trends, forecasts, and innovations.
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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 779.24 Million.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.70% between 2026 and 2035.
The key players in the market report include Barry Callebaut AG, Cargill Incorporated, Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG, Fuji Oil Co., Ltd., Cocoa Processing Company Limited (CPC), Puratos Group, Valrhona SAS, and Olam Food Ingredients (OFI), among others.
Couverture chocolate is a dominant type of segment of the market due to a rising demand for premium chocolate products.
Key strategies driving the market include offering cost-effective solutions, expanding product customization, ensuring consistent supply, adopting sustainable sourcing practices, and aligning with clean-label trends to meet the evolving needs of regional food industries.
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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| Cocoa Products Market By Type |
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| Cocoa Products Market By Application |
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| Industrial Chocolate Market By Type |
|
| Industrial Chocolate Market By End User |
|
| Breakup by Region |
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| Market Dynamics |
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| Competitive Landscape |
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| Companies Covered |
|
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