Cocoa Processing Market Size Analysis Report - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The global cocoa processing market size was volumed at 4876.46 KMT in 2024. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.10% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to reach a volume of 6002.91 KMT by 2034.

The global cocoa processing market is witnessing substantial growth, propelled by the increasing demand for high-quality, sustainably sourced cocoa utilized in chocolate and a diverse range of cocoa-based products. As consumer preferences progressively lean towards premium and ethically sourced cocoa, processors are making calculated investments in cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency and product quality. In April 2025, Barry Callebaut, a prominent entity in cocoa processing, revealed its intentions to augment its U.S. production capacity to 100,000 tons, emphasizing the escalating demand for processed cocoa. This strategic initiative underscores the expanding opportunities within the cocoa processing market as manufacturers strive to bolster supply chain resilience and address the changing market requirements.

In further evidence of the growth within the global cocoa processing market, OFI launched deZaan Master 01 (011DQ) in July 2022, which is a 100% segregated organic cocoa powder. This product is sourced, cultivated, and processed through a completely segregated supply chain to uphold its organic certification, addressing the rising demand for organic and ethically sourced cocoa. Its versatility allows for applications in various sectors, including dairy, confectionery, and baked goods. The introduction of this product highlights the persistent innovation in the cocoa processing market, positioning it to fulfill diverse industry needs and promote ongoing market growth.

Key Trend and Developments

Rising trend of sustainability, increase in demand for dark chocolate and focus on traceability and transparency are some major trends fuelling market growth.

February 2025

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) has initiated the Sustainable Cocoa Value Chain Programme as part of the Piano Mattei per l’Africa initiative. This program is designed to support local governments in formulating investment proposals that will draw funding for sustainable cocoa development and promote growth within the regional industry.

May 2024

Lindt & Sprüngli has allocated USD 111 million for the expansion of its cocoa mass production facility located in Olten, canton Solothurn. This expansion encompasses the installation of new production lines, an upgraded loading hall, a laboratory, and a reconfiguration of the plant's administrative areas, all designed to improve production efficiency and capabilities.

April 2025

Brazil has unveiled its intentions to establish the largest cocoa farm globally in Bahia, which will incorporate almost entirely mechanized operations and high-yield cocoa trees. Cargill is poised to partner in the initial development phase of the farm, representing a crucial advancement in improving the efficiency and innovation of cocoa production.

May 2024

A cutting-edge cocoa processing facility located in the PK24 Industrial Park of Abidjan is set to begin operations in June 2025. This facility, developed by China Light Industry Nanning Design Engineering Co., Ltd., represents Cote d'Ivoire's inaugural state-owned modern cocoa processing plant. It is in line with the country's strategic initiatives aimed at improving its cocoa industry and enhancing value-added production capabilities.

June 2024

IFC and Johnvents Industries Limited announced a partnership to expand Nigeria’s cocoa processing capacity. IFC’s USD 23.3 million financing will enable Johnvents to double its production to 120 metric tons per day. The partnership includes advisory services to enhance workforce diversity, sustainability, and digitalisation.

Advancements in Cocoa Farming Practices

Large scale investments towards enhanced agricultural methods and research are contributing towards expansion of the cocoa processing market. Also the market is driven by innovations in cocoa cultivation throughout Southeast Asia, as noted by the ASEAN-Korea Centre in November 2024. Through investments in enhanced agricultural methods and research aimed at addressing climate-related challenges, the region seeks to boost yields and fortify its standing in the global economy. These initiatives are improving the overall quality and sustainability of cocoa, consequently driving up the demand for effective cocoa processing technologies.

Rising Demand for Cocoa Powder in Functional Foods and Beverages

Cocoa powder worldwide demand is anticipated to rise, driven by its increasing application in functional foods and beverages. For instance, In April 2024, Barry Callebaut launched its "MALEO" cocoa powder in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, addressing the surging requirement for premium cocoa ingredients. This trend serves as a significant catalyst for the cocoa processing market, underscoring the necessity of innovation and quality in satisfying the changing consumer preferences for healthier, functional products.

Innovations in Cocoa Production

Advancements in cocoa production are propelling market expansion, as businesses implement sustainable practices to satisfy the growing demand for cocoa-derived products. For instance, California Cultured, a company specializing in plant cell culture, initiated the cultivation of cocoa from cell cultures in West Sacramento in September 2024. With product introductions planned for 2025, this pioneering method seeks to address the increasing demand for cocoa products, especially in markets such as the USA, thereby improving the growth potential for the cocoa processing sector.

Strategic Investments in Domestic Cocoa Processing

Strategic investments and sourcing approaches that stable bean supply are driving expansion in cocoa processing on a worldwide scale.As the thirdlargest producer of cocoa in the world, Indonesia is concentrating on growing its domestic processing to enhance the value of its exports of raw beans and support the growth of its own sector.With a significant emphasis on exporting to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, major participants in this industry, such as Barry Callebaut, JB Cocoa, PT Cargill Indonesia, and other Indonesian companies, process beans into cocoa liquor, butter, and powder.

Expansion in Chocolate Production Driving Cocoa Processing

The worldwide increase in cocoa processing is driven by the growth of chocolate production, particularly exemplified by the United States. Recently, Hershey inaugurated a 250,000-square-foot Reese chocolate processing plant in Pennsylvania, which is its first new manufacturing facility in more than three decades. This advanced, fully digitally integrated facility will manufacture Reese’s, Kit Kat, and various other Hershey products, underscoring how such global expansions enhance chocolate manufacturing capacity, strengthen regional cocoa processing capabilities, and improve overall supply chain efficiency within the global cocoa processing market.

Cocoa Processing Market Segmentation

The Expert Market Research’s report titled “Global Cocoa Processing Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Forastero
• Criollo
• Trinitario
• Others

The Forastero variety is the leading force in the global cocoa processing market, commanding the largest market share thanks to its superior productivity, resilience, and cost-effectiveness for mass production. Its extensive application in commercial cocoa processing, especially for lower-cost products, renders it a favored option for large-scale manufacturers. The Trinitario segment, a hybrid of Forastero and Criollo, is anticipated to witness the most significant growth rate. As consumer preferences shift towards premium, high-quality cocoa, Trinitario’s exceptional flavor profile and enhanced quality position it as a formidable player in the premium and specialty product market. This growth is driven by a transition in demand towards higher-value products and an expanding market for fine cocoa. Conversely, the Criollo variety, which serves niche luxury product markets due to its exquisite flavor, has a limited footprint in the global market because of its lower yield and higher cultivation costs.

Market Breakup by Product Type

• Cocoa Butter
• Cocoa Liquor
• Cocoa Powder

The cocoa liquor segment dominates the global cocoa processing market, driven by its extensive use in chocolate manufacturing and other cocoa-based products. This growth is fueled by increasing demand for high-quality chocolates, particularly in emerging markets and premium product segments. While Cocoa Butter is essential for chocolate production and cosmetics, it maintains a smaller share compared to cocoa liquor. Cocoa Powder continues to serve the demand for baked goods, beverages, and functional foods, though its growth rate is slower than that of cocoa liquor.

Market Breakup by Application

• Confectionery
• Bakery
• Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

The Confectionery segment is the largest end-use industry in the global cocoa processing market, driven by strong demand for chocolate and cocoa-based products. The Pharmaceuticals segment is expected to witness the highest growth due to increased use of cocoa’s health benefits in functional foods and supplements. The Bakery sector remains a significant consumer of cocoa, using it for cakes, pastries, and other baked goods. The Dairy & Beverages segment continues to grow, with cocoa being used in products like milk chocolates and cocoa-based drinks. These industries are seeing a steady rise in demand, but they are outpaced by the growth in the pharmaceutical sector.

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Europe dominates the cocoa processing sector, driven by its well-established chocolate manufacturing industry and a robust demand for cocoa-based products. The region remains the largest consumer and processor of cocoa, with key players leading the production efforts. In contrast, the Middle East and Africa are expected to experience the highest growth rate, supported by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and an increasing demand for cocoa in both the food and beverage sectors. North America and Latin America also represent significant markets, with North America maintaining a consistent demand for cocoa products, particularly in confectionery, while Latin America, a crucial cocoa-producing region, is seeing a rise in local processing activities. The Asia Pacific region is witnessing moderate growth, primarily fueled by the increasing demand for chocolates and cocoa-based products in emerging markets.

Cocoa Processing Market Share

Forastero Beans dominate the global cocoa processing market

The Forastero segment commands the largest market share of 79.14% in the cocoa beans market, primarily due to its extensive application in mass-market chocolate production. This type of bean is favored for large-scale cultivation because of its high yield and consistent quality, making it well-suited to meet the requirements of commercial chocolate producers. The growing demand for affordable, high-quality chocolate products in global markets continues to enhance the dominance of Forastero beans. Its versatility and ability to produce cocoa with deep, rich flavors further solidify its position as the foremost cocoa variety for large-scale chocolate manufacturing.

Trinitario segment type is expected to witness the highest CAGR at a global level in the cocoa processing industry during 2025-2034. Trinitario beans, being a cross of Forastero and Criollo, are in great demand as they offer a unique flavour profile with a balanced mixture of strong and fine cocoa flavor. This variety is gaining traction in the specialty and premium chocolate industries driven by the growing demand for high-quality, artisanal chocolate products. As consumers continue to trend towards more complex and refined chocolate flavors, Trinitario beans are well-placed to capture a significant share of the market's long-term growth.

Surging Growth in the Cocoa Liquor for Use as a Raw Material is driving the market

Cocoa liquor leads the world market for cocoa processing with 39.27% of the market share in 2024. Its leading position comes from its fundamental importance as a raw material in producing a very broad array of products, such as chocolates, baked goods, desserts, and ice creams. Cocoa liquor, being the raw material of chocolate production, is pivotal to both mass-market and high-end products. The rising need for high-standard and varied types of chocolates worldwide continues to drive the expansion of the cocoa liquor market. With changing consumer tastes and a growing market, cocoa liquor is still the most consumed type of product in the cocoa processing sector.

High Chocolate Demand drives Confectionary Market

The largest segment in the global cocoa processing market in 2024 was Confectionery. It accounted for a dominant share of 47.80%. This comes from the high demand for chocolate products around the world. Cocoa is a key ingredient in most confectionery goods. People prefer chocolates as a sweet treat, and they are widely used in snacks, candies, and other products. This strong preference greatly boosts this market share. In 2024, the rising popularity of different chocolate types, along with the ongoing growth of confectionery production, will strengthen its position as the largest segment in the cocoa processing market.

In the fastest-growing segment of the cocoa processing market, pharmaceuticals, chocolate-flavored supplements are gaining traction as consumers search for indulgent yet nutritious products. To meet this demand, MD Logic Health® launched its Chocolate Protein in February 2025. This premium plant-based powder offers clean, organic nutrition with a rich chocolate flavor, catering to the growing appetite for functional food products. As the demand for health-conscious supplements increases, especially those that combine taste with wellness benefits, this product aligns with the expansion of the pharmaceutical use of cocoa, particularly in wellness and dietary supplements. With its organic ingredients and delicious flavor, Chocolate Protein is set to become a key player in the booming market for supplement-infused chocolate products.

Europe Leads the Global Cocoa Processing Market

In 2024, Europe led the global cocoa processing market with a notable share of 35.89%. Europe holds strong market position because of the region have important chocolate manufacturing facilities in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Additionally, Europe's leadership stemmed from its robust chocolate production capacity and a rising emphasis on sustainability efforts and using organic cocoa. The increasing demand for high-quality, ethically sourced chocolate products continued to strengthen Europe's position in the cocoa processing industry. Supporting this, Europe benefited from its well-established infrastructure and market knowledge, reinforcing its role as a key player in the global cocoa processing sector.

Middle East and Africa secured the second-largest cocoa processing market share in 2024, making up 24.26%. This region benefits from being close to cocoa-producing countries in West Africa, which provide a large part of the global cocoa supply. Recently, in 204, Barry Callebaut also announced to establish USD 30 million chocolate factory in Egypt, positioning Egypt as a regional hub for exporting the company’s products to Middle Eastern and African countries. As the demand for cocoa processing increases in this area, investments are rising in sustainable and innovative cocoa processing methods

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the global cocoa processing market are focusing on expanding their production capabilities to meet the increasing global need. Additionally, they are promoting sustainable and efficient practices and are adopting sustainable methods, such as using renewable energy in production facilities and reducing waste through recycling and waste-to-energy systems. Subsequently, companies are working to comply with strict regulations, including the EU's sustainability standards for cocoa processing, while improving transparency in their supply chains. Further use of technologies like blockchain to track cocoa from the processing plant to the final product are being utilised in cocoa processing sector. Along with these efforts are underway to boost the efficiency of processing stages, cut costs, and meet rising consumer demand for high-quality, sustainably sourced cocoa products.

Barry Callebaut AG

Barry Callebaut AG was founded in 1996 and is based in Zurich, Switzerland. It is one of the leading producers of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products. The company offers a variety of solutions for food manufacturers and professional chocolate users. Its broad range of products, commitment to sustainability, and technological improvements have made Barry Callebaut an important player in the global cocoa and chocolate market.

Cargill Incorporated

Cargill Incorporated was founded in 1865 and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is a global leader in food and agricultural products, including cocoa and chocolate. The company actively sources, processes, and distributes cocoa beans. It offers a variety of products to meet consumer demand.

Olam Food Ingredients (OFI)

Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) was founded in 2020 and is based in Singapore. The company is a major global supplier of ingredients such as cocoa, coffee, nuts, and spices. With its wide global sourcing network and commitment to sustainable sourcing practices, OFI is essential in providing high-quality cocoa products to food manufacturers around the world. It drives innovation and supports the growth of the global cocoa market.

Nestle S.A.

Nestlé S.A. was founded in 1867 and is based in Vevey, Switzerland. It is a leading company in the food and beverage industry. The company plays a significant role in cocoa sourcing, processing, and distribution. Nestlé focuses on sustainability and ethical sourcing practices. It is dedicated to improving nutrition and quality while ensuring responsible practices throughout its cocoa supply chain.

Other key players in the cocoa processing market are, Mondelez International, Inc., ECOM Agroindustrial Corp. Limited, Touton S.A, Fuji Oil Co., Ltd., Ferrero International S.A., Guan Ching Berhas, among others

Key Features of the Report

• Comprehensive quantitative analysis of global cocoa processing 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 processing companies.
• Supply chain analysis with technological and infrastructure developments.

Why Choose This Research?

• 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 global cocoa processing sectors.
• Extensive coverage of emerging and established cocoa processing markets.