The global cocoa powder market continues to show steady expansion, supported by rising demand from food, beverage, and confectionery industries. Despite fluctuations in previous years, both production and consumption remain on a positive long-term trajectory, reinforcing cocoa powder’s role as a critical commodity in the global supply chain.

Global Market Overview: Steady Value Growth Despite Yearly Fluctuations

From 2007 to 2020, the global cocoa powder market maintained an average annual growth rate of +3.2%, reflecting strong underlying demand despite periodic market corrections.
By 2020, the global market value reached $7.8 billion, marking a 3.4% increase from the previous year.

Historically, the market achieved its highest value in 2011 at $8.4 billion, but subsequent years saw a mild decline before stabilising again. Even so, the long-term growth trend indicates resilience and consistent industrial demand worldwide.

Global Cocoa Powder Production: Strong Output Supported by Key Producing Countries

In production value, the global cocoa powder market reached $7.3 billion in 2020, growing at an average rate of +3.3% per year from 2007–2020.
The most significant jump occurred in 2010, when output surged by 32%, showcasing strong market momentum at the time.

Production peaked at $8.6 billion in 2012, but later years experienced minor declines before stabilising at lower levels.

Top Producing Countries (2020)

The leading producers were:

• China – 438K tons
• The Netherlands – 236K tons
• United States – 216K tons

Combined, these three countries accounted for 30% of global production.

They were followed by:

• Brazil
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• India
• Germany
• Spain
• Pakistan

Together contributing another 30% of output.

Notably, Indonesia recorded the fastest growth among major producers, with a CAGR of +8.9%, highlighting its rapidly expanding processing capability and strengthening position in the global supply chain.

Global Consumption: Stable Growth with Strong Demand in Asia and the U.S.

Global cocoa powder consumption reached 3 million tons in 2020, maintaining similar levels to 2019.
From 2007 to 2020, consumption grew at an average annual rate of +1.8%, with the most notable spike occurring in 2018 at +5.3%.

In market value, global cocoa powder consumption also rose in 2020, aligning with the overall market value increase to $7.8 billion.

Although consumption peaked in 2020, forecasts indicate sustained growth driven by expanding demand in bakery, chocolate beverage mixes, and confectionery applications.

Leading Consumers: China, the U.S., and India Dominate Global Demand

Top Consuming Countries (2020, Volume)

• China – 468K tons
• United States – 284K tons
• India – 170K tons

Together, they accounted for 31% of global cocoa powder consumption.

They were followed by Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Mexico, and Russia, with a combined 19% share.

Brazil stood out with the strongest growth among major consumers, recording a CAGR of +6.3%.

Market Value by Country: U.S., China, and India Lead in Spending

In value terms, the largest cocoa powder markets were:

• United States – $883M
• China – $802M
• India – $508M

These three represented 28% of global consumption value.

They were followed by Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Mexico, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Russia, contributing another 18%.

Brazil again recorded the fastest value growth, with a CAGR of +14.0%, reflecting rising local demand and a strengthening food processing sector.

Per Capita Consumption: U.S. Leads Global Usage

Per capita consumption highlights differences in dietary patterns and industrial usage:

• United States – 856 kg per 1,000 persons
• Brazil – 778 kg per 1,000 persons
• Mexico – 442 kg per 1,000 persons

These figures emphasize cocoa powder’s widespread use in Western markets, particularly in bakery, chocolate drinks, and packaged confectionery products.

Brazil again showed the strongest long-term per capita growth, with a CAGR of +5.4%.

Conclusion

The global cocoa powder market has demonstrated consistent long-term growth across both production and consumption, despite periodic fluctuations. China, the United States, and India continue to dominate demand, while Indonesia stands out as one of the fastest-growing producers worldwide.

With stable global consumption and increasing industrial applications, the outlook for the cocoa powder market remains optimistic, particularly for emerging suppliers like Indonesia, which continue to expand their capacity and global influence.