GITNUXREPORT 2026

Chocolate Industry Statistics

The global chocolate market is growing and diversifying, led by premium trends and sustainable concerns.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Per capita chocolate consumption in Switzerland: 11.9 kg/year (2022).

Statistic 2

U.S. per capita chocolate consumption: 5.5 kg in 2022.

Statistic 3

Germany average: 11.6 kg per person annually (2022).

Statistic 4

UK per capita: 8.1 kg in 2022.

Statistic 5

Ireland leads with 11.4 kg per capita chocolate intake (2022).

Statistic 6

Australia: 4.8 kg per person yearly chocolate consumption.

Statistic 7

Sweden: 6 kg per capita (2022).

Statistic 8

Poland chocolate consumption per capita: 4.5 kg (2022).

Statistic 9

Japan: 1.3 kg per capita, lowest among major markets.

Statistic 10

China per capita chocolate consumption: 0.1 kg (2022).

Statistic 11

India: 0.07 kg per person annually.

Statistic 12

Brazil: 2.4 kg per capita (2022).

Statistic 13

45% of global chocolate consumed as bars.

Statistic 14

52% of U.S. consumers prefer milk chocolate (2023 survey).

Statistic 15

Dark chocolate consumption up 20% in U.S. since 2015.

Statistic 16

30% of Europeans consume chocolate daily.

Statistic 17

Holiday season accounts for 40% of annual U.S. chocolate sales.

Statistic 18

Women's chocolate consumption 10% higher than men globally.

Statistic 19

Millennials drive 35% of premium chocolate purchases.

Statistic 20

65% of consumers seek low-sugar options (2023).

Statistic 21

Plant-based chocolate demand rose 25% in 2022.

Statistic 22

U.S. boxed chocolate sales: $1.2 billion in 2022.

Statistic 23

70% of chocolate eaten between meals as snacks.

Statistic 24

Gen Z prefers flavored chocolate (45% survey).

Statistic 25

Online chocolate sales grew 15% YoY in 2023.

Statistic 26

25% increase in at-home chocolate consumption post-COVID.

Statistic 27

Russia per capita: 4.2 kg (2022).

Statistic 28

Canada: 5.9 kg per capita annually.

Statistic 29

France: 8 kg per person (2022).

Statistic 30

60% of chocolate purchases impulse buys.

Statistic 31

Netherlands: 4.7 kg per capita.

Statistic 32

Belgium: 5.6 kg per capita (2022).

Statistic 33

The global chocolate market size was valued at USD 119.39 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 145.33 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.87%.

Statistic 34

In 2023, the U.S. chocolate confectionery market generated revenue of USD 24.5 billion.

Statistic 35

Europe's chocolate market was worth EUR 38.5 billion in 2022.

Statistic 36

The premium chocolate segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030.

Statistic 37

Asia-Pacific chocolate market revenue reached USD 20.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 38

Dark chocolate market size was USD 16.8 billion globally in 2022.

Statistic 39

Organic chocolate market valued at USD 7.5 billion in 2023, projected to USD 12.3 billion by 2030.

Statistic 40

U.S. chocolate sales reached $25.4 billion in 2022.

Statistic 41

German chocolate market revenue: EUR 5.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 42

Milk chocolate dominates with 55% market share in 2023.

Statistic 43

Global chocolate market CAGR forecasted at 4.1% from 2023-2028.

Statistic 44

UK chocolate confectionery market: GBP 4.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 45

Brazil chocolate market size: USD 5.6 billion in 2022.

Statistic 46

Vegan chocolate market expected to grow at 10.5% CAGR to 2030.

Statistic 47

India chocolate market revenue: USD 2.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 48

Luxury chocolate segment valued at USD 32.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 49

Canada chocolate market: CAD 3.2 billion in 2022.

Statistic 50

Ruby chocolate market projected to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2028.

Statistic 51

Australia chocolate sales: AUD 1.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 52

Single-origin chocolate market growing at 6.8% CAGR.

Statistic 53

Japan chocolate market: JPY 550 billion in 2023.

Statistic 54

Functional chocolate market size: USD 4.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 55

France chocolate revenue: EUR 4.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 56

China chocolate market: USD 8.7 billion in 2023.

Statistic 57

White chocolate market valued at USD 22.4 billion in 2022.

Statistic 58

Global bean-to-bar chocolate market: USD 2.3 billion in 2023.

Statistic 59

Mexico chocolate industry revenue: USD 1.8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 60

Sugar-free chocolate market: USD 3.1 billion in 2023, CAGR 7.2%.

Statistic 61

Switzerland chocolate exports contribute CHF 7.5 billion annually.

Statistic 62

Global craft chocolate market projected at USD 1.1 billion by 2030.

Statistic 63

World cocoa production reached 5.1 million metric tons in 2022/23 season.

Statistic 64

Côte d'Ivoire produced 2.1 million tonnes of cocoa beans in 2022/23.

Statistic 65

Ghana cocoa output: 810,000 metric tons in 2022/23.

Statistic 66

Indonesia cocoa production: 183,000 tonnes in 2022.

Statistic 67

Ecuador cocoa harvest: 370,000 tonnes in 2023.

Statistic 68

Brazil cocoa production increased to 260,000 tonnes in 2022/23.

Statistic 69

Cameroon produced 300,000 tonnes of cocoa in 2022/23.

Statistic 70

Nigeria cocoa output: 270,000 tonnes annually average.

Statistic 71

Peru cocoa production: 190,000 tonnes in 2023.

Statistic 72

Global cocoa grindings: 4.8 million tonnes in 2022/23.

Statistic 73

Cocoa butter production: 1.7 million tonnes in 2022.

Statistic 74

Cocoa powder output worldwide: 800,000 tonnes in 2023.

Statistic 75

West Africa supplies 70% of global cocoa production.

Statistic 76

Average cocoa farm size in Côte d'Ivoire: 3-5 hectares.

Statistic 77

Yield per hectare in Ghana cocoa farms: 400-500 kg.

Statistic 78

Global cocoa tree population: over 10 million hectares planted.

Statistic 79

Fermentation time for cocoa beans: 5-7 days standard.

Statistic 80

Drying cocoa beans reduces moisture to 6-8%.

Statistic 81

Cocoa pod yield per tree: 20-30 pods annually.

Statistic 82

Number of cocoa farmers worldwide: 5-6 million smallholders.

Statistic 83

Côte d'Ivoire cocoa area: 4.5 million hectares in 2023.

Statistic 84

Ghana cocoa farms cover 1.8 million hectares.

Statistic 85

Fine flavor cocoa production: 5-10% of total global output.

Statistic 86

Cocoa processing capacity in Europe: 2.5 million tonnes/year.

Statistic 87

U.S. cocoa imports: 400,000 tonnes in 2022.

Statistic 88

Chocolate manufacturing uses 50% of world cocoa production.

Statistic 89

Average cocoa bean size: 1-2 grams per fermented bean.

Statistic 90

Global cocoa exports: 4.2 million tonnes in 2022/23.

Statistic 91

Cocoa liquor production: 2.9 million tonnes annually.

Statistic 92

Deforestation linked to cocoa: 2.3 million hectares since 1988.

Statistic 93

30% of cocoa farms in protected areas illegally.

Statistic 94

Child labor on cocoa farms: 1.56 million children (2020).

Statistic 95

Living income gap for cocoa farmers: USD 1,410 per tonne shortfall.

Statistic 96

Certified sustainable cocoa: 35% of global production (2023).

Statistic 97

Water usage in chocolate production: 17,196 liters per kg.

Statistic 98

GHG emissions from cocoa: 5.5 kg CO2 per kg chocolate.

Statistic 99

Pesticide use on cocoa farms: 20 kg/ha average in West Africa.

Statistic 100

Women represent 30% of cocoa workforce but own <20% land.

Statistic 101

Cocoa swollen shoot virus affects 20% of Ghana trees.

Statistic 102

Biodiversity loss: 60% decline in pollinators on cocoa farms.

Statistic 103

Fairtrade certified cocoa volume: 200,000 tonnes (2022).

Statistic 104

Carbon footprint of milk chocolate bar (50g): 0.4 kg CO2e.

Statistic 105

70% of cocoa farmers below poverty line (<USD 1.90/day).

Statistic 106

Agroforestry adoption on 15% of cocoa farms.

Statistic 107

Plastic packaging in chocolate: 40% non-recyclable.

Statistic 108

Energy use in chocolate factories: 1.5 MWh per tonne.

Statistic 109

Soil degradation affects 50% of cocoa lands.

Statistic 110

UTZ certified farms: 800,000 hectares (2022).

Statistic 111

Water pollution from cocoa processing: 10% of BOD load.

Statistic 112

Climate change projected to reduce suitable cocoa land 50% by 2050.

Statistic 113

Hazardous child labor: 152,000 children in cocoa sector.

Statistic 114

Sustainable sourcing commitments: 80% by 2030 from majors.

Statistic 115

Deforestation rate in Ghana cocoa belt: 1.6%/year.

Statistic 116

Organic cocoa production: 1% of total (50,000 tonnes).

Statistic 117

Farmer training programs reached 2 million (2022).

Statistic 118

Waste from cocoa pods: 10-12 million tonnes annually.

Statistic 119

Global cocoa bean exports from Côte d'Ivoire: 1.8 million tonnes in 2022/23.

Statistic 120

Netherlands cocoa imports: 1.2 million tonnes (2022).

Statistic 121

U.S. cocoa imports value: USD 3.8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 122

Germany chocolate exports: EUR 4.5 billion annually.

Statistic 123

Malaysia cocoa exports: 400,000 tonnes in 2022.

Statistic 124

Switzerland chocolate exports: CHF 7.2 billion (2022).

Statistic 125

Ghana cocoa export revenue: USD 2.1 billion in 2022/23.

Statistic 126

Belgium chocolate exports: EUR 3.8 billion (2022).

Statistic 127

France cocoa products exports: EUR 2.9 billion.

Statistic 128

U.K. chocolate imports: GBP 2.5 billion value (2022).

Statistic 129

Singapore re-exports 60% of Asian cocoa trade.

Statistic 130

Canada chocolate exports: CAD 1.1 billion (2022).

Statistic 131

Italy chocolate exports: EUR 2.2 billion annually.

Statistic 132

U.S. chocolate exports: USD 1.4 billion in 2022.

Statistic 133

Poland cocoa imports: 250,000 tonnes (2022).

Statistic 134

Australia chocolate imports: AUD 800 million.

Statistic 135

Ecuador fine cocoa exports: 50,000 tonnes (2023).

Statistic 136

Japan chocolate imports: JPY 300 billion value.

Statistic 137

Brazil cocoa exports: USD 500 million (2022).

Statistic 138

Top 10 cocoa exporting countries account for 85% of trade.

Statistic 139

EU imports 70% of world cocoa beans.

Statistic 140

China cocoa imports: 300,000 tonnes (2022).

Statistic 141

Russia chocolate imports value: USD 1.2 billion.

Statistic 142

India cocoa imports: 20,000 tonnes annually.

Statistic 143

Turkey chocolate exports: USD 400 million (2022).

Statistic 144

South Korea imports: 50,000 tonnes cocoa products.

Statistic 145

Global cocoa trade value: USD 10 billion (2022).

Statistic 146

UAE re-exports chocolate worth USD 500 million.

Statistic 147

Mexico chocolate exports grew 10% to USD 150 million.

Statistic 148

40% of cocoa trade is intra-African.

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With billions of dollars melting in the global chocolate market and over 5 million smallholder farmers cultivating our cocoa beans, the story of this beloved industry is one of staggering scale, growing consumer appetites, and profound challenges that lie beneath its sweet surface.

Key Takeaways

The global chocolate market size was valued at USD 119.39 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 145.33 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.87%.
In 2023, the U.S. chocolate confectionery market generated revenue of USD 24.5 billion.
Europe's chocolate market was worth EUR 38.5 billion in 2022.
World cocoa production reached 5.1 million metric tons in 2022/23 season.
Côte d'Ivoire produced 2.1 million tonnes of cocoa beans in 2022/23.
Ghana cocoa output: 810,000 metric tons in 2022/23.
Per capita chocolate consumption in Switzerland: 11.9 kg/year (2022).
U.S. per capita chocolate consumption: 5.5 kg in 2022.
Germany average: 11.6 kg per person annually (2022).
Global cocoa bean exports from Côte d'Ivoire: 1.8 million tonnes in 2022/23.
Netherlands cocoa imports: 1.2 million tonnes (2022).
U.S. cocoa imports value: USD 3.8 billion in 2022.
Deforestation linked to cocoa: 2.3 million hectares since 1988.
30% of cocoa farms in protected areas illegally.
Child labor on cocoa farms: 1.56 million children (2020).

The global chocolate market is growing and diversifying, led by premium trends and sustainable concerns.

Consumption and Demand

Per capita chocolate consumption in Switzerland: 11.9 kg/year (2022).
U.S. per capita chocolate consumption: 5.5 kg in 2022.
Germany average: 11.6 kg per person annually (2022).
UK per capita: 8.1 kg in 2022.
Ireland leads with 11.4 kg per capita chocolate intake (2022).
Australia: 4.8 kg per person yearly chocolate consumption.
Sweden: 6 kg per capita (2022).
Poland chocolate consumption per capita: 4.5 kg (2022).
Japan: 1.3 kg per capita, lowest among major markets.
China per capita chocolate consumption: 0.1 kg (2022).
India: 0.07 kg per person annually.
Brazil: 2.4 kg per capita (2022).
45% of global chocolate consumed as bars.
52% of U.S. consumers prefer milk chocolate (2023 survey).
Dark chocolate consumption up 20% in U.S. since 2015.
30% of Europeans consume chocolate daily.
Holiday season accounts for 40% of annual U.S. chocolate sales.
Women's chocolate consumption 10% higher than men globally.
Millennials drive 35% of premium chocolate purchases.
65% of consumers seek low-sugar options (2023).
Plant-based chocolate demand rose 25% in 2022.
U.S. boxed chocolate sales: $1.2 billion in 2022.
70% of chocolate eaten between meals as snacks.
Gen Z prefers flavored chocolate (45% survey).
Online chocolate sales grew 15% YoY in 2023.
25% increase in at-home chocolate consumption post-COVID.
Russia per capita: 4.2 kg (2022).
Canada: 5.9 kg per capita annually.
France: 8 kg per person (2022).
60% of chocolate purchases impulse buys.
Netherlands: 4.7 kg per capita.
Belgium: 5.6 kg per capita (2022).

Consumption and Demand Interpretation

While the Swiss, Germans, and Irish engage in a dignified, near-professional devotion to cocoa, the rest of the world is still trying to catch up, with a growing chorus of consumers now demanding their indulgence be plant-based, low-sugar, and purchased on a whim.

Market Size and Revenue

The global chocolate market size was valued at USD 119.39 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 145.33 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.87%.
In 2023, the U.S. chocolate confectionery market generated revenue of USD 24.5 billion.
Europe's chocolate market was worth EUR 38.5 billion in 2022.
The premium chocolate segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030.
Asia-Pacific chocolate market revenue reached USD 20.1 billion in 2023.
Dark chocolate market size was USD 16.8 billion globally in 2022.
Organic chocolate market valued at USD 7.5 billion in 2023, projected to USD 12.3 billion by 2030.
U.S. chocolate sales reached $25.4 billion in 2022.
German chocolate market revenue: EUR 5.2 billion in 2023.
Milk chocolate dominates with 55% market share in 2023.
Global chocolate market CAGR forecasted at 4.1% from 2023-2028.
UK chocolate confectionery market: GBP 4.8 billion in 2023.
Brazil chocolate market size: USD 5.6 billion in 2022.
Vegan chocolate market expected to grow at 10.5% CAGR to 2030.
India chocolate market revenue: USD 2.1 billion in 2023.
Luxury chocolate segment valued at USD 32.5 billion in 2023.
Canada chocolate market: CAD 3.2 billion in 2022.
Ruby chocolate market projected to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2028.
Australia chocolate sales: AUD 1.5 billion in 2023.
Single-origin chocolate market growing at 6.8% CAGR.
Japan chocolate market: JPY 550 billion in 2023.
Functional chocolate market size: USD 4.5 billion in 2023.
France chocolate revenue: EUR 4.1 billion in 2023.
China chocolate market: USD 8.7 billion in 2023.
White chocolate market valued at USD 22.4 billion in 2022.
Global bean-to-bar chocolate market: USD 2.3 billion in 2023.
Mexico chocolate industry revenue: USD 1.8 billion in 2022.
Sugar-free chocolate market: USD 3.1 billion in 2023, CAGR 7.2%.
Switzerland chocolate exports contribute CHF 7.5 billion annually.
Global craft chocolate market projected at USD 1.1 billion by 2030.

Market Size and Revenue Interpretation

The world's relentless and increasingly sophisticated sweet tooth, from the enduring reign of milk chocolate to the surging niches of vegan and single-origin bars, proves that no matter the economic climate, humanity's love affair with cocoa remains a deliciously profitable, multi-billion-dollar constant.

Production and Supply

World cocoa production reached 5.1 million metric tons in 2022/23 season.
Côte d'Ivoire produced 2.1 million tonnes of cocoa beans in 2022/23.
Ghana cocoa output: 810,000 metric tons in 2022/23.
Indonesia cocoa production: 183,000 tonnes in 2022.
Ecuador cocoa harvest: 370,000 tonnes in 2023.
Brazil cocoa production increased to 260,000 tonnes in 2022/23.
Cameroon produced 300,000 tonnes of cocoa in 2022/23.
Nigeria cocoa output: 270,000 tonnes annually average.
Peru cocoa production: 190,000 tonnes in 2023.
Global cocoa grindings: 4.8 million tonnes in 2022/23.
Cocoa butter production: 1.7 million tonnes in 2022.
Cocoa powder output worldwide: 800,000 tonnes in 2023.
West Africa supplies 70% of global cocoa production.
Average cocoa farm size in Côte d'Ivoire: 3-5 hectares.
Yield per hectare in Ghana cocoa farms: 400-500 kg.
Global cocoa tree population: over 10 million hectares planted.
Fermentation time for cocoa beans: 5-7 days standard.
Drying cocoa beans reduces moisture to 6-8%.
Cocoa pod yield per tree: 20-30 pods annually.
Number of cocoa farmers worldwide: 5-6 million smallholders.
Côte d'Ivoire cocoa area: 4.5 million hectares in 2023.
Ghana cocoa farms cover 1.8 million hectares.
Fine flavor cocoa production: 5-10% of total global output.
Cocoa processing capacity in Europe: 2.5 million tonnes/year.
U.S. cocoa imports: 400,000 tonnes in 2022.
Chocolate manufacturing uses 50% of world cocoa production.
Average cocoa bean size: 1-2 grams per fermented bean.
Global cocoa exports: 4.2 million tonnes in 2022/23.
Cocoa liquor production: 2.9 million tonnes annually.

Production and Supply Interpretation

The world's chocolate addiction is sustained by the toil of millions of smallholder farmers on modest plots, with West Africa single-handedly shouldering 70% of the global cocoa burden while the sweet rewards are largely processed and consumed far from its shores.

Sustainability and Environment

Deforestation linked to cocoa: 2.3 million hectares since 1988.
30% of cocoa farms in protected areas illegally.
Child labor on cocoa farms: 1.56 million children (2020).
Living income gap for cocoa farmers: USD 1,410 per tonne shortfall.
Certified sustainable cocoa: 35% of global production (2023).
Water usage in chocolate production: 17,196 liters per kg.
GHG emissions from cocoa: 5.5 kg CO2 per kg chocolate.
Pesticide use on cocoa farms: 20 kg/ha average in West Africa.
Women represent 30% of cocoa workforce but own <20% land.
Cocoa swollen shoot virus affects 20% of Ghana trees.
Biodiversity loss: 60% decline in pollinators on cocoa farms.
Fairtrade certified cocoa volume: 200,000 tonnes (2022).
Carbon footprint of milk chocolate bar (50g): 0.4 kg CO2e.
70% of cocoa farmers below poverty line (<USD 1.90/day).
Agroforestry adoption on 15% of cocoa farms.
Plastic packaging in chocolate: 40% non-recyclable.
Energy use in chocolate factories: 1.5 MWh per tonne.
Soil degradation affects 50% of cocoa lands.
UTZ certified farms: 800,000 hectares (2022).
Water pollution from cocoa processing: 10% of BOD load.
Climate change projected to reduce suitable cocoa land 50% by 2050.
Hazardous child labor: 152,000 children in cocoa sector.
Sustainable sourcing commitments: 80% by 2030 from majors.
Deforestation rate in Ghana cocoa belt: 1.6%/year.
Organic cocoa production: 1% of total (50,000 tonnes).
Farmer training programs reached 2 million (2022).
Waste from cocoa pods: 10-12 million tonnes annually.

Sustainability and Environment Interpretation

The bittersweet truth of chocolate is that its creation often involves a bitter reality: while a third of cocoa now carries a "sustainable" label, this hasn't yet translated into a sustainable life for the majority of farmers living in poverty on degraded lands, nor has it halted the continued deforestation and child labor that shadow its supply.

Trade and Exports

Global cocoa bean exports from Côte d'Ivoire: 1.8 million tonnes in 2022/23.
Netherlands cocoa imports: 1.2 million tonnes (2022).
U.S. cocoa imports value: USD 3.8 billion in 2022.
Germany chocolate exports: EUR 4.5 billion annually.
Malaysia cocoa exports: 400,000 tonnes in 2022.
Switzerland chocolate exports: CHF 7.2 billion (2022).
Ghana cocoa export revenue: USD 2.1 billion in 2022/23.
Belgium chocolate exports: EUR 3.8 billion (2022).
France cocoa products exports: EUR 2.9 billion.
U.K. chocolate imports: GBP 2.5 billion value (2022).
Singapore re-exports 60% of Asian cocoa trade.
Canada chocolate exports: CAD 1.1 billion (2022).
Italy chocolate exports: EUR 2.2 billion annually.
U.S. chocolate exports: USD 1.4 billion in 2022.
Poland cocoa imports: 250,000 tonnes (2022).
Australia chocolate imports: AUD 800 million.
Ecuador fine cocoa exports: 50,000 tonnes (2023).
Japan chocolate imports: JPY 300 billion value.
Brazil cocoa exports: USD 500 million (2022).
Top 10 cocoa exporting countries account for 85% of trade.
EU imports 70% of world cocoa beans.
China cocoa imports: 300,000 tonnes (2022).
Russia chocolate imports value: USD 1.2 billion.
India cocoa imports: 20,000 tonnes annually.
Turkey chocolate exports: USD 400 million (2022).
South Korea imports: 50,000 tonnes cocoa products.
Global cocoa trade value: USD 10 billion (2022).
UAE re-exports chocolate worth USD 500 million.
Mexico chocolate exports grew 10% to USD 150 million.
40% of cocoa trade is intra-African.

Trade and Exports Interpretation

This bittersweet trade sees billions in chocolate wealth flow between nations, yet the very countries growing most of the world’s cocoa, like Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, capture only a fraction of that final, glossy value.

Sources & References

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