Cocoa beans market is expected to grow steadily through 2032, driven by rising global demand for chocolate and cocoa-based products

The global cocoa beans market size was evaluated at $13 billion in 2023 and is slated to hit $26 billion by the end of 2032, with a CAGR of nearly 7% between 2024 and 2032.

Cocoa beans are natural seeds taken from cacao pods and used as the main raw material for making chocolate, cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and many sweet food products. These beans grow inside large pods on cacao trees that thrive in hot, humid regions near the equator. Farmers harvest ripe pods by hand, remove the beans, then ferment and dry them to develop flavor and reduce moisture content. Food companies roast and grind the dried beans to produce cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder for further use. Chocolate brands, bakeries, drink makers, cosmetic companies, and pharmaceutical firms all rely on cocoa beans as key ingredients. Farming research works to improve crop yields, reduce disease, enhance flavor quality, and support sustainable growing practices. Industry standards help classify beans by size, quality, and processing condition for trade.

Browse the full “Cocoa Beans Market By Bean Type (Forastero, Trinitario, and Criollo), By Nature (Conventional and Organic), By Application (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, and Cosmetics & Personal Care), By Distribution Channel (Direct Sales, Retail, and Wholesale), and By Region - Global and Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, and Forecasts 2024 - 2032” Report at https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/cocoa-beans-market

The growth of the global cocoa bean industry is primarily driven by increasing global chocolate consumption, rising demand for premium and dark chocolate varieties, and growing awareness of cocoa health benefits.

Market Growth Factors

Several factors are propelling the expansion of the cocoa bean market.

• Chocolate consumption growth: Growing global demand for chocolate increases cocoa bean use as expanding middle-class populations gain spending power in developing regions. At the same time, mature markets sustain volumes through a steady innovation cycle.
• Premium chocolate segment expansion: Rising interest in premium dark and single-origin chocolate lifts demand for specialty cocoa beans with unique flavors, as consumers value authenticity and artisan production methods quality.
• Health benefit awareness: Awareness of cocoa antioxidants and heart health benefits supports higher dark chocolate intake, as wellness-focused buyers choose products with greater cocoa content.

Restraints

• Climate vulnerability issues: Cocoa farming remains highly exposed to shifting weather, heat stress, and irregular rainfall that weaken tree health and pod growth, tightening supply and driving price swings after harvest seasons.
• Disease and pest pressures: Cocoa plantations face persistent threats from fungal diseases and insect pests that reduce yields and quality, forcing growers to invest in control measures as pathogens spread into producing areas.

Cocoa Beans Market: Report Scope

Market Segmentation

The cocoa beans market can be segmented by bean variety, application sector, processing level, and region.

Based on bean variety, the cocoa bean industry is segregated into Forastero beans, Criollo beans, Trinitario beans, Nacional beans, and hybrid varieties. Forastero beans are expected to maintain a significant market share during the forecast period due to their high-yield potential, disease resistance, and dominance in global production volumes, supplying mainstream chocolate manufacturing.

Based on the application sector, the cocoa beans market is divided into chocolate confectionery, cocoa powder production, cocoa butter manufacturing, beverage applications, and cosmetic ingredients. Chocolate confectionery is expected to lead the market during the forecast period due to massive global demand for chocolate bars, pralines, truffles, and other sweet products.

Based on processing level, the market is classified into raw dried beans, fermented beans, roasted beans, cocoa liquor, and semi-processed intermediates. Raw dried beans dominate the market because they are the standard trading form used by processors to transform into various cocoa products.

Africa leads the global cocoa market, accounting for about 70 percent of global cocoa supply, with the Ivory Coast and Ghana as the largest producers, meeting global demand. Warm tropical climate across West Africa offers ideal conditions for healthy cacao tree growth and stable bean production. Large rural populations depend on small cocoa farms as a main source of income and daily livelihood support. Long-standing farming traditions and shared knowledge help farmers sustain cocoa cultivation through locally adapted cultivation methods. A robust export infrastructure, including ports and shipping routes, facilitates the efficient movement of cocoa beans to major chocolate markets worldwide. Government support in producing nations treats cocoa as a key export product that earns valuable foreign income. Global development programs and chocolate companies invest in better farming, higher yields, and improved bean quality. Lower production costs allow African cocoa to remain price-competitive internationally.

Key Market Players

Leading companies operating in the global cocoa beans market include:

• Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM)
• JB Foods Ltd.
• Barry Callebaut AG
• Blommer Chocolate Company
• Ecom Agroindustrial Corp. Ltd.
• Mars Inc.
• Cargill Inc.
• Archer-Daniels-Midland Inc.
• Olam International
• BT Cocoa

Recent Developments

• In September 2025, Ecuador announced plans to increase production to over 650,000 metric tons in the 2026/27 season, potentially becoming the world’s second-largest cocoa producer.

The global cocoa beans market is segmented as follows:

By Bean Type

• Forastero
• Trinitario
• Criollo

By Nature

• Conventional
•  Organic

By Application

• Food & Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Cosmetics & Personal Care

By Distribution Channel

• Direct Sales
• Retail
• Wholesale

​By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

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