As of December 21, 2024, the global cocoa market is experiencing significant fluctuations due to imbalances between production and demand. Here's a look at the current state of cocoa production and consumption:
Production Volume: Global cocoa production is estimated at approximately 4.461 million metric tons in the 2023/2024 crop year, a notable decline from previous years.
Côte d'Ivoire: Maintains its position as the world's largest cocoa producer, contributing about 2.24 million metric tons in 2022/2023.
Ghana: Ranks second, with production levels around 1.10 million metric tons.
Indonesia: Indonesia is also a significant producer, contributing approximately 0.68 million metric tons.
Adverse Weather Conditions: Severe droughts and the impact of the El Niño phenomenon have adversely affected harvests, particularly in West Africa.
Aging Tree Stock and Diseases: Issues such as the cocoa swollen shoot virus (CSSV) have led to reduced yields.
Consumption Volume: Global cocoa grindings, an indicator of demand, are estimated at 4.855 million metric tons for the 2023/2024 period, indicating robust demand despite rising prices.
Deficit: The 2023/2024 cocoa year is projected to end with a supply deficit, with production falling short of grindings by approximately 394,000 metric tons.
Impact on Prices: This deficit has led to significant price increases, with cocoa futures exceeding $12,000 per metric ton, more than doubling since the beginning of the year.
The world's top 10 biggest chocolate companies, based on revenue, production capacity, and market influence, are dominated by multinational corporations with a global presence.
Mars, Inc.
Headquarters: McLean, Virginia, USA
Revenue: Over $40 billion (2023, including all segments)
Mars Bar, M&M’s, Snickers, Twix, Milky Way, Dove
Mars is a private, family-owned company and the largest chocolate company globally.
Ferrero Group
Headquarters: Alba, Italy
Revenue: Over $16 billion (2023)
Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Kinder, Tic Tac. Known for its premium chocolates and spreads, Ferrero continues to grow through innovation and acquisitions, such as Thorntons and Nestlé’s U.S. candy division.
Mondelez International
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Revenue: Over $31 billion (2023, total segments)
Cadbury, Milka, Toblerone, Oreo (chocolate-coated biscuits)
Mondelez is a global leader in snacks and chocolate, with a strong presence in Europe, North America, and Asia.
The Hershey Company
Headquarters: Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
Revenue: Over $10 billion (2023)
Hershey’s, Reese’s, Kit Kat (licensed in the U.S.), Kisses
Hershey is a dominant player in the North American market, expanding globally with strategic acquisitions.
Lindt & Sprüngli
Headquarters: Kilchberg, Switzerland
Revenue: Over $5 billion (2023)
Lindt, Ghirardelli, Russell Stover
Renowned for its premium chocolate, Lindt focuses on high-quality products and artisanal craftsmanship.
Barry Callebaut
Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
Revenue: Over $8 billion (2023)
Not a consumer-facing brand, but a major supplier of chocolate and cocoa products to other chocolate companies.
Barry Callebaut is the world’s largest chocolate manufacturer by volume, supplying raw chocolate and cocoa to global brands.
Nestlé
Headquarters: Vevey, Switzerland
Revenue: Over $93 billion (2023, total segments)
Kit Kat (global, except U.S.), Aero, Smarties
Nestlé focuses on chocolate as part of its broader portfolio, which includes beverages, baby food, and pet care.
Pladis Global
Headquarters: London, UK
Revenue: Over $4 billion (2023)
Godiva (mass-market products), McVitie’s (chocolate-coated biscuits)
Pladis owns luxury and everyday chocolate brands with a significant market share in Europe and the Middle East.
Guylian
Headquarters: Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
Revenue: Approx. $1 billion
Belgian chocolate seashells
Known for its iconic pralines, Guylian has a strong global presence in premium chocolates.
Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Revenue: Over $9 billion (2023, total segments)
Meiji Milk Chocolate, Meiji The Chocolate
Meiji is a leading chocolate producer in Asia, focusing on traditional and innovative products.
