Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE) Market Size, Share, Growth, And Industry Analysis, by Type (Palm Oil, Shea Butter, Sal Fat, and Others), By Application (Food and Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, and Others) and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2034

Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE) MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE) market size was valued at approximately USD 38.26 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 81.06 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.70% from 2025 to 2034.

Cocoa Butter Equivalent, known simply as CBE, is a fat that takes cocoa butter's place in chocolate making. It's crafted from plants like palm kernel, shea, and illipe fats, mixed to mimic cocoa butter's touch and traits. In chocolate production, CBE is vital for cutting costs while keeping the treat's texture, taste, and look. This versatile fat is found in chocolates, candies, and more. It's also popular in cosmetics and medicines, thanks to its cocoa butter-like qualities, like solidifying at room temp and having a high melt point.

IMPACT OF KEY GLOBAL EVENTS

“Impact of Trade Policies and Tariffs on CBE Supply Chain”

International trade rules and taxes can heavily influence the flow and access of Cocoa Butter Equivalent, or CBE. Big cocoa-growing nations facing trade troubles, like politics gone wrong or trade pacts changing, can shrink the world's cocoa butter supply. This pushes makers to turn to fats like CBE. Moreover, taxes on imported cocoa items or CBE-making materials hike up costs, making CBE less popular in some markets. On the flip side, good trade deals and lower taxes spark more rivalry in the CBE world, pushing for fresh ideas, lower prices, and higher demand. As global trade shifts, how much CBE costs and where it's easy to get will keep shaping its market place and growth chances.

LATEST TREND

”Innovating the Confectionery Industry”

Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE) is becoming more popular in the candy world. It's a cheap way to get the same texture and taste as cocoa butter. Lately, people care more about how CBE is made and where it comes from. Makers now use sustainable plant oils like palm and shea. This makes CBE not just cheap, but also good for the planet. People also want cleaner ingredients, so CBEs are made without trans fats and fake stuff. CBE is also big with plant-based and vegan eaters. It's dairy-free but still gives chocolate the right feel and taste. As CBE gets better, it helps brands try new textures and flavors. It also deals with ethical and health issues. CBE is changing how chocolate is made for the future.

Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE) MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE) market can be categorized into Palm Oil, Shea Butter, Sal Fat, and Others.

Palm Oil: Palm oil is the most used CBE. It's cheap and easy to get. It's like cocoa butter in feel and melt. Chocolate and candy makers like it. But, there are worries about the environment. So, firms want eco-friendly palm oil. They use certifications like RSPO. This helps make palm oil sourcing greener.

Shea Butter: Shea butter is getting more popular. It's more expensive than palm oil. People like it for being natural and healthy. It feels smooth and is good for skin. So, it's in high-end chocolates and cosmetics. But, it's not as big in the market as palm oil. High prices and not enough supply stop it from being used more.

Sal Fat: Sal fat, from India's Sal tree, serves as a good cocoa butter substitute. It shares a similar fatty acid makeup and finds use in candy making. Though not as famous as palm oil or shea butter, sal fat is gaining attention for its potential in eco-friendly, plant-based goods. This shift comes amid rising worries about the environment.

Others: The "Others" group has different fats for CBE. These include cocoa butter blends and tropical oils. They are for special markets or tastes, like vegan or allergen-free. This group is small in the market. But, it will grow as people like unique ingredients more.

By Application

Based on application, the global CBE market can be categorized into Food and Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, and Others.

Food and Beverages: Chocolate and candy making is CBE's main area. It's a cheap cocoa butter substitute. It keeps chocolate's texture and taste good. Chocolate is popular worldwide, especially in new places. CBE helps keep prices low and products affordable. This helps CBE's market grow.

Pharmaceuticals: In the medicine world, CBE shines in making capsules and ointments. Its traits are handy for drug creation. Though less common in food, its use in drugs is slowly rising. It stays stable and can be tailored for special needs, like timed-release formulas and emulsions.

Others: The "Others" group includes CBE's use in cosmetics, personal care, and bio-based goods. In cosmetics, CBE smooths things out and keeps skin moist in lotions and lip balms. Though a smaller part of the market, it's slowly expanding as CBE finds its way into green beauty products.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving Factors

”Increasing Demand for Health-Conscious Ingredients”

People are now more focused on their health, which is pushing the Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE) market to grow. CBE is becoming popular because it can do what cocoa butter does, but it's cheaper and may be better for you. Many people want products with less saturated fat and more nutrients, so CBE is in demand in sectors like candy making, baking, and personal care. Plus, as more people learn about plant-based and eco-friendly products, they like CBE more. CBE often comes from vegetable oils, which makes it even more appealing. All of this is making the CBE market bigger.

Restraining Factor

”Concerns Over Sustainability of Raw Materials”

Environmental worries about raw materials, especially palm oil, are a big brake on the CBE market. Even with certifications like RSPO for sustainable palm oil, issues like tree chopping, wildlife loss, and social impacts linger. This has sparked a consumer backlash in eco-aware areas. Plus, the bad rap around palm oil and other plant fats in CBE could slow growth in sustainability-driven markets. To tackle this, makers might seek new fats or tech fixes, boosting costs and crimping growth in some regions.

Opportunity

”Expanding Applications in the Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry”

CBE, or Cocoa Butter Equivalent, is finding new uses in cosmetics and personal care. It’s great for lotions, creams, and lip balms because it gives them a smooth, moisturizing feel, just like cocoa butter. People are learning more about natural, plant-based ingredients. Because of this, they want more sustainable options instead of traditional oils. CBE is one of these options. This new interest means there’s a big chance for makers to use more CBE in personal care products. The demand for CBE is growing, and it’s a good time for businesses to take advantage of this.

Challenge

”Price Volatility and Supply Chain Instability”

Price swings and supply chain woes are big hurdles for the Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE) market. Even though CBE is cheaper than cocoa butter, its raw stuff like palm oil and shea butter face price jumps due to global demand, politics, and weather. Trouble in key growing areas can mess up supplies and jack up prices. These changes hurt CBE makers' profits and mess with long-term price steadiness. To handle these issues, makers might need to spread out their suppliers or find stronger sourcing plans.

Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE) MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America

The Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE) market in North America is growing steadily. People there are eating more healthy, sustainable foods, which boosts the use of plant-based ingredients like CBE in chocolate. Clean-label and non-GMO products are also in demand, making CBE a popular fat choice for chocolate makers. Advanced tech and solid supply chains for raw materials help too. But firms are now looking for certified sustainable CBE, especially since palm oil has sustainability issues. High-end, organic chocolate is also driving up demand for top-notch CBE in the region.

Europe

In Europe, the CBE market is big because people want sustainable, ethically sourced ingredients. They want eco-friendly, socially responsible products, pushing cocoa butter alternatives. CBE demand is up in chocolate making, especially in Germany, the UK, and France, where prices and premium products matter. Manufacturers are using certified sustainable palm oil for CBE, and plant-based alternatives are popular too. Many certifications and standards, like Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance, guide CBE sourcing and marketing. Plus, Europe's strong chocolate industry and love for new product ideas help the CBE market keep growing.

Asia

Asia is booming for the Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE) market, thanks to chocolate cravings in China and India. With more money and western diets, chocolate and sweet treats are flying off shelves. CBE, cheap and like cocoa butter, helps make chocolate cheaper. The region’s farms and raw materials like palm oil, shea butter, and sal fat make it great for CBE. But, sustainability issues, especially with palm oil, could slow growth if not fixed. Still, Asia’s big, growing crowd and love for healthy eats mean big chances for CBE in the future.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

”Competitive Landscape of the Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE) Market”

The Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE) market is hotly contested, with big players battling for share in different regions. Big names like AAK AB, Wilmar, Olam, and Cargill rule with big production and wide networks. They have solid supplier ties and invest heavily in R&D for better products. IOI Loders Croklaan, Bunge, and Fuji Vegetable Oil also stand strong, aiming for sustainable sourcing and high-quality CBEs. With plant-based, sustainable ingredients in demand, these firms are broadening their ranges and teaming up with food makers to meet chocolate and sweet treat needs.

List of Top Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE) Market Companies

AAK AB

Wilmar International Ltd.

Olam International Limited

Cargill

Fuji Vegetable Oil, Inc.

IOI Loders Croklaan

Bunge

Manorama Industries Limited

Mewah Group

Nisshin Oillio Group, Ltd.

Musim Mas

Intercontinental Specialty Fats Sdn. Bhd. (‘ISF’)

3F Industries Ltd.

Makendi Worldwide

USHA Edible Oils

Wild Oils

WILMAR CAHAYA INDONESIA TBK

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

February 2024: Bunge launched Coberine 206, a patent-pending shea butter-based CBE, designed to address the challenges faced by chocolate manufacturers and artisanal chocolatiers in producing soft chocolates and ganache products.

April 2024: Manorama Industries Limited opened its latest manufacturing facility in Chhattisgarh, India. The advanced fractionation unit at the plant has an annual production capacity of 25,000 tons of CBE, specialty fats, and exotic butters.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The CBE market is set to grow steadily, fueled by the hunt for cheap, eco-friendly cocoa butter alternatives in chocolate and sweets. As plant-based diets and healthier eats gain popularity, CBE appeals to makers catering to eco-aware customers. Firms are pumping money into sustainable sourcing, notably for palm oil, to tackle deforestation fears. The trend for clean-label, allergen-free items also opens up fresh avenues for CBE.

In the future, the CBE market looks set to grow, especially in Asia's emerging markets. Higher incomes and western diets are boosting chocolate and sweet treat cravings. Tech advancements and the rise of premium, organic, vegan goods will spark CBE innovation. Yet, the market must overcome hurdles like raw material price swings and sustainability woes to keep growing long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions