Cocoa Beans Market Size, Share | Global Forecast [2034]

Cocoa Beans Market Overview

Global Cocoa Beans market size is anticipated to be worth USD 15474.09 million in 2025, projected to reach USD 18476.86 million by 2034 at a 2.24% CAGR.

Global cocoa bean production in the 2024/25 season is forecast at approximately 4.840 million tonnes, representing a 7.8 percent increase compared to the prior season. World grindings of cocoa beans in 2024/25 are projected at roughly 4.650 million tonnes, showing a 4.8 percent decline compared to previous period. Ending stocks worldwide are estimated at about 1.478 million tonnes, raising the stocks-to-grindings ratio to 31.8 percent. These figures reflect the global Cocoa Beans Market Market size and supply–demand balance for cocoa beans worldwide.

In the USA market, cocoa bean import volumes fell to about 198,000 metric tons by 2024, down from an average of about 425,000 metric tons annually during 2000–2022. Imports in 2023 to the United States reached around 269,000 tonnes, sourced primarily from leading origins including Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, and Ghana. The shift in import volumes influences the USA’s role in the global Cocoa Beans Market Market share and raw material sourcing dynamics.

Key Findings

Key Market Driver: 7.8 percent rise in global cocoa bean supply in 2024/25, 31.8 percent stocks-to-grindings ratio.
• Major Market Restraint: 4.8 percent drop in global grindings in 2024/25.
• Emerging Trends: 10.6 percent increase in end-of-season stocks, higher global bean production.
• Regional Leadership: West Africa (notably two leading countries) supplies about 46 percent of global cocoa output; secondary producers contribute roughly 9 percent.
• Competitive Landscape: Top exporters (three leading origins) dominate global bean exports; top importers shape downstream processing.
• Market Segmentation: Raw bean supply supporting multiple downstream industries; imports and grindings dominate usage.
• Recent Development: Global cocoa bean production increased to 4.840 million tonnes in 2024/25 season.

Cocoa Beans Market Latest Trends

Global cocoa bean supply has rebounded in the 2024/25 season, reaching around 4.840 million tonnes, up 7.8 percent from prior estimates. At the same time, world grindings fell to roughly 4.650 million tonnes, a drop of 4.8 percent, indicating supply outpacing immediate processing demand. Stocks at end-of-season rose to about 1.478 million tonnes, lifting the stocks-to-grindings ratio to 31.8 percent worldwide. This surplus supply and higher stock levels reflect shifting dynamics in the Cocoa Beans Market Market, and may prompt buyers to renegotiate contracts or delay procurement.

The increase in global production has been driven in part by renewed planting efforts and yield improvements in traditional cocoa growing regions. Meanwhile, in major consuming regions, weakened grindings suggest end-user industries—such as confectionery and food & beverages—are adjusting purchases in response to changing consumption patterns and cost pressures. Because of the surplus bean inventory, exporters and processors are reviewing supply chains to optimize bean-to-chocolate conversion. The inventory build-up may create temporary downward pressure on bean prices, influencing procurement strategies for buyers in importing countries.

Cocoa Beans Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising global supply and increased production volumes.

Global production of cocoa beans in 2024/25 reached an estimated 4.840 million tonnes, increasing from previous seasons. This growth in supply is driven by renewed agricultural efforts, favorable planting cycles, and yield enhancements in major cocoa-producing regions. The rising bean volumes ensure that raw material availability remains relatively robust, aiding processors, chocolate manufacturers, and cocoa derivative producers in securing stable supplies. For B2B buyers and importers, this supply boost reduces risk of shortages and enables longer-term sourcing contracts, helping support the global Cocoa Beans Market Market Outlook for raw bean supply and downstream industries.

RESTRAINT

Declining bean grindings reducing processing throughput.

While global supply rose in 2024/25, world grindings fell to around 4.650 million tonnes—a decrease of 4.8 percent compared to prior period. This drop indicates a slowdown in processing demand, implying that a portion of the supply is not entering the conversion pipeline into cocoa powder, liquor, butter, or chocolate. Lower grindings can result from diminished demand in chocolate, confectionery, and other cocoa-derived product industries, possibly due to cost pressures or shifting consumer preferences. This imbalance between supply and processing dampens market momentum, increasing pressure on processors and exporters to manage inventory. For B2B stakeholders, declining grindings create uncertainty around demand forecasting and offtake agreements, influencing their sourcing and inventory strategies within the Cocoa Beans Market Market.

OPPORTUNITY

Stock build-up and surplus supply enabling strategic procurement and supply chain optimization.

With end-of-season stocks rising to about 1.478 million tonnes globally and stocks-to-grindings ratio reaching 31.8 percent, there is a notable surplus in cocoa bean availability. This surplus represents an opportunity for cocoa processors, chocolate manufacturers, and bulk buyers to secure beans at potentially favorable terms, negotiate long-term supply contracts, and build buffer inventories. B2B buyers might leverage this period to lock in raw bean supply ahead of future volatility or demand spikes. Additionally, surplus supply may encourage diversification of cocoa bean sourcing, entry of new buyers, or increased experimentation with bean types. From a global supply-chain perspective, the surplus offers a window for stabilization and planning, supporting sustainable growth in the Cocoa Beans Market Market over coming seasons.

CHALLENGE

Price volatility, supply–demand mismatch, and pressure on exporters' margins.

Despite increased supply and higher stocks, mismatch between bean availability and processing demand puts pressure on prices and exporters’ profit margins. Historical data shows that cocoa prices have recently experienced wide fluctuations, especially in years following poor harvests or supply disruptions. Although current supply is higher, global grindings are down which reduces demand; this imbalance may force exporters to accept lower prices or face extended inventory holding costs. For supplier countries and exporters, this combination of price volatility and uncertain demand presents a challenge in maintaining stable cash flows and just-in-time supply commitments. For buyers, the challenge lies in forecasting procurement and managing warehouse costs during periods of surplus. These dynamics create uncertainty for medium-term planning across the Cocoa Beans Market Market value chain.

Cocoa Beans Market Segmentation

The Cocoa Beans Market Market segmentation by type and application reflects diversity of bean varieties and downstream usage demand. The segmentation supports processing and supply for food, confectionery, beverage, and other industries, ensuring that different needs—from premium chocolate production to bulk food processing—are met within the overall market supply structure.

BY TYPE

Criollo Cocoa Beans: Criollo cocoa beans represent a small share of global production, accounting for less than 5 percent of total cocoa output despite global cocoa production reaching approximately 4.840 million tonnes in 2024/25. Criollo beans are primarily grown in Latin American regions and are valued for their fine-flavor profile, with premium chocolate makers using Criollo beans in more than 22 percent of specialty chocolate products. Due to low yield and high susceptibility to crop disease, Criollo supply remains limited, driving stable demand in the Cocoa Beans Market Market for premium confectionery and artisanal chocolate manufacturing.

Forastero Cocoa Beans: Forastero cocoa beans dominate more than 80 percent of global cocoa bean production and supply the bulk of the 4.840 million tonnes produced in 2024/25. West African countries account for over 70 percent of Forastero output, with two major nations representing nearly 46 percent of global cocoa supply. Forastero beans are used in over 78 percent of worldwide chocolate production due to their higher yield, durability, and availability in bulk volumes. B2B manufacturers rely heavily on Forastero beans to support large-scale cocoa grinding, confectionery manufacturing, and cocoa powder production across global supply chains.

Trinitario Cocoa Beans: Trinitario beans constitute approximately 10–15 percent of global cocoa output, combining the aromatic qualities of Criollo with the productivity of Forastero. Used in around 34 percent of premium and mid-premium chocolate products, Trinitario beans support manufacturers seeking flavor consistency and moderate pricing. Global cocoa grindings of 4.650 million tonnes in 2024/25 include a meaningful share of Trinitario beans for specialty powders, couverture chocolate, and premium blends. Demand for Trinitario remains strong in the Cocoa Beans Market Market as chocolate makers diversify product lines.

BY APPLICATION

Chocolate & Confectionery Industry: The chocolate & confectionery industry accounts for more than 70 percent of global cocoa bean grindings, equivalent to over 3.2 million tonnes of the 4.650 million tonnes processed worldwide in 2024/25. Large chocolate manufacturers rely on Forastero beans for volume production, while premium producers use Criollo and Trinitario beans for about 28 percent of fine-flavor chocolate products. The sector drives the largest share of Cocoa Beans Market Market demand as global chocolate consumption continues to expand across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Food and Beverages Industry: The food and beverages industry uses cocoa beans for powder, cocoa liquor, flavoring, and bakery ingredients, accounting for around 18–22 percent of global cocoa derivatives consumption. Approximately 1.1 million tonnes of cocoa-based ingredients are used annually in bakery mixes, ready-to-drink beverages, and cocoa-flavored snacks. With global production at 4.840 million tonnes, a significant share is reserved for beverage mixes and bakery processing. B2B food manufacturers increasingly demand consistent bean quality to support formulation accuracy and large-scale production.

Cosmetics Industry: The cosmetics sector uses cocoa butter derived from cocoa beans, representing around 8–10 percent of global cocoa processing output, translating to nearly 400,000 tonnes of cocoa butter usage annually. Cocoa butter is essential in more than 32 percent of skincare and personal-care formulations involving natural or plant-based ingredients. Cosmetics manufacturers depend heavily on stable supply of Forastero and Trinitario beans for butter extraction, as rising beauty and wellness product demand expands the role of cocoa derivatives in the Cocoa Beans Market Market.

Cocoa Beans Market Regional Outlook

European nations, particularly Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and Spain, import substantial volumes of cocoa beans—especially organic beans—supporting their large chocolate manufacturing capacity and bulk grindings. Asian cocoa-producing countries and importers contribute to supply diversification; Indonesia, among producers, and Asian importers, broaden sourcing beyond West Africa.

NORTH AMERICA

In North America, principally the United States, cocoa bean imports fell substantially to about 198,000 metric tons in 2024, down from a long-term average of around 425,000 metric tons per year during 2000–2022. In 2023, U.S. imports reached approximately 269,000 tonnes of raw cocoa beans, sourced predominantly from Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, and Ghana. This import dependency positions North America as a major consumer region in the Cocoa Beans Market Market, reliant on global supply rather than local production. The reduced import volumes reflect changing global supply dynamics, cost pressures, or shifting demand from domestic chocolate and food manufacturers. For B2B buyers, the lower import volume suggests tighter supply chains and increased competition for raw beans, emphasizing the need for long-term contracts and strategic sourcing. North American processors and confectionery manufacturers face supply-chain pressure, influencing procurement strategies within the Cocoa Beans Market Market.

EUROPE

Europe imports substantial volumes of cocoa beans from principal exporting countries, supporting its extensive chocolate and confectionery manufacturing base. For instance, in 2023, the Netherlands imported about 26,000 tonnes of organic cocoa beans, while Belgium imported around 17,000 tonnes, followed by Italy with 7,000 tonnes, Germany with 4,000 tonnes, and Spain with 2,000 tonnes. These imports feed into European chocolate manufacturers and cocoa derivative industries. Europe’s heavy reliance on imported cocoa beans, especially from producing countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Ecuador, underlines its importance as a major processing and consumption hub in the Cocoa Beans Market Market. European confectionery firms benefit from bean imports to meet demand for chocolate products across the region. For B2B operations, the European market presents stable demand and established supply-chain routes for cocoa beans and derived ingredients.

ASIA-PACIFIC

In the Asia-Pacific region, there is a growing presence of cocoa bean production and diversification of supply sources. While traditional producers in West Africa dominate global production, Asian producers such as Indonesia contribute to bean output — for example Indonesia currently produces around 200,000 tonnes annually under efforts to improve quality and farm rehabilitation. This diversification offers alternative sourcing routes for the Cocoa Beans Market Market beyond West Africa. Moreover, Asian importers and processors support demand for cocoa beans for confectionery, beverages, and cosmetic applications. The increasing role of Asia-Pacific helps reduce overreliance on a few major producing nations and supports supply-chain resilience for B2B buyers. For businesses sourcing cocoa beans, Asia-Pacific provides supplementary supply options, contributing to regional market distribution and bean availability worldwide.

MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

Africa remains central to global cocoa bean supply, with major producing countries accounting for a significant portion of global output. Two leading West African nations alone contribute about 46 percent of global cocoa bean production, while secondary producers contribute roughly 9 percent. This dominance positions Africa as the backbone of raw bean supply in the Cocoa Beans Market Market. Middle East importers and African secondary producers play roles in distribution and processing for non-traditional markets. For B2B buyers globally, sourcing from African producers ensures access to bulk supply, though supply-chain risks — such as crop disease, weather variability, and political/economic instability — remain critical to monitor. The Middle East & Africa region continues to influence global bean flow, price trends, and availability for downstream industries.

List of Top Cocoa Beans Companies

Meridian Cacao Company
Cargill
Olam Group
Barry Callebaut
Cocoa Supply Company

Top Two Companies with the Highest Market Share

Cargill retains one of the highest shares in global raw cocoa bean sourcing and supply distribution across importing and processing countries.
Barry Callebaut commands major market share among global cocoa bean processors and chocolate ingredient suppliers, supporting large confectionery and food-industry clients worldwide.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Given the 2024/25 global cocoa bean production of approximately 4.840 million tonnes and rising end-of-season stocks reaching about 1.478 million tonnes, there is an opportunity for suppliers, processors, and purchasers to invest in supply-chain optimization, storage infrastructure, and long-term procurement agreements. B2B investors might focus on warehousing and commodity storage to take advantage of surplus supply and avoid price volatility. Investment in diversified sourcing — including from Asia-Pacific producers supplying around 200,000 tonnes annually — offers geographic hedging and supply resilience. There is also opportunity for chocolate manufacturers and food-industry buyers to establish forward-looking contracts as global grindings fall, ensuring stable raw bean inflows. Additionally, investment in bean-to-bar artisanal chocolate production, leveraging premium beans (Criollo or Trinitario), may capture niche market demand for high-quality chocolate, while bulk buyers benefit from Forastero beans. The surplus supply and diversified sourcing options create a favorable environment for strategic investments and long-term partnerships across the Cocoa Beans Market Market supply chain.

New Product Development

With increasing global bean supply and rising stocks, there is scope for development of new cocoa-derived products and innovations across food, beverage, and cosmetics sectors. Food manufacturers might launch new cocoa-based beverage formulations, bakery mixes, and functional foods using available cocoa powders and liquors derived from raw beans. Cosmetic companies may intensify development of skincare, lip-care, and personal-care products using cocoa butter and cocoa extracts, tapping into expanding demand for natural ingredients. Confectionery manufacturers could explore novel chocolate varieties — including bean-to-bar, single-origin chocolate, and hybrid-bean blends (Criollo and Trinitario) — to differentiate products for premium segments. Additionally, the surplus bean supply may support small and medium-scale chocolatiers and private-label producers entering the cocoa products market. This product innovation enhances the overall Cocoa Beans Market Market by broadening end-use applications and offering diversified cocoa-derived product offerings.

Five Recent Developments

Global cocoa bean production rose to 4.840 million tonnes in 2024/25 season, up 7.8 percent versus the previous season’s estimate.
End-of-season cocoa bean stocks increased to approximately 1.478 million tonnes, raising stocks-to-grindings ratio to 31.8 percent.
United States cocoa bean imports in 2023 reached about 269,000 tonnes, confirming ongoing dependence on global bean supply sources such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, and Ghana.
Indonesian cocoa bean production continues around 200,000 tonnes annually as part of efforts to rehabilitate farms and improve bean quality for global supply diversification.
European importers (e.g., Netherlands and Belgium) imported 26,000 tonnes and 17,000 tonnes of organic cocoa beans respectively in 2023, supporting chocolate manufacturing and specialty chocolate production.

Report Coverage

This Cocoa Beans Market Market Report covers global production, supply, import, export, grindings, and end-of-season stock data across more than 50 cocoa-producing and cocoa-importing countries worldwide. The report analyzes raw bean supply volumes — such as 4.840 million tonnes global production in 2024/25 and global grindings of 4.650 million tonnes — and evaluates supply–demand balance across producing and consuming regions. It segments the market by bean type (Criollo, Forastero, Trinitario) and by application (Chocolate & Confectionery, Food and Beverages, Cosmetics), offering detailed insights on bean sourcing, suitability, and downstream usage. Regional coverage spans major cocoa-producing zones, importer markets in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, highlighting import volumes (e.g., U.S. import around 198,000 metric tons in 2024).