Middle East and Africa Chocolate Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

Middle East and Africa Chocolate Market Outlook

The Middle East and Africa chocolate market size reached USD 8.42 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% between 2025 and 2034, reaching almost USD 13.56 billion by 2034.

Key Takeaways:

• As per industry reports, about 75% of the world's cocoa production currently originates from West Africa. In Cote d'Ivoire, cocoa production has seen significant growth since the 2005/06 harvest season, increasing by approximately 700,000 tonnes to reach 2.2 million tonnes by 2021/22.

• In Ghana, cocoa cultivation supports around 800,000 farm families across six out of sixteen regions. This crop plays a crucial role in Ghana's economy, contributing approximately USD 2 billion in foreign exchange annually, alongside significant government revenue and GDP boosts. In real terms, cocoa's contribution to Ghana's GDP in 2021 amounted to GHS3.1 billion, equivalent to about USD 533 million.

• During the 2020/2021 crop season, Ghana produced just over one million metric tons of cocoa beans. This underscores the substantial economic impact and pivotal role of cocoa cultivation in the region's agricultural landscape and overall economy.

The rising demand for cocoa products in various industries like confectionery and beverages has fuelled Middle East and Africa chocolate market growth. Cocoa ingredients, especially in dark chocolates, are sought after for their health benefits such as blood pressure reduction and diabetes management. In the Middle East, imported chocolates dominate the market due to reliance on major foreign brands like Barry Callebaut and Lindt. Modern retailing and a large expatriate population further drive chocolate consumption in this region.

Artisanal chocolates are gaining popularity, emphasizing cocoa bean flavours prepared by small-scale chocolatiers. Premium cocoa with sustainability certification and single-origin sourcing is particularly in demand, driven by health trends and consumer preferences for high-quality products. Countline chocolates, popular among teenagers and young adults for their convenience, are seeing increased consumption in regions like the UAE.

Dark chocolate's antioxidants, like flavonols, are linked to health benefits such as reducing inflammation and protecting against cell damage. Studies show a lower diabetes prevalence among regular dark chocolate consumers. This health-conscious trend drives consumers towards products claiming to use dark chocolate.

The chocolate market in Middle East and Africa is competitive with global and regional players. Companies are targeting young consumers with higher-priced chocolates through innovative products and expanded distribution. The cocoa and chocolate market, though growing steadily, faces challenges due to uneven supply against high demand, but consumers remain generally price-insensitive.

In developing economies of the region, the market for cocoa ingredients is growing, driven by dark chocolate's antioxidant properties and perceived health benefits. This trend extends into pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, encouraging manufacturers to consider cocoa and chocolate ingredients while playing a crucial role in the Middle East and Africa chocolate market development.

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Purchase the Regional Overview for USD 1099

If you choose to purchase the full report at a later stage, the amount already paid will be adjusted, and you will only need to pay the remaining balance.

Purchase the Regional Overview for USD 1099

If you choose to purchase the full report at a later stage, the amount already paid will be adjusted, and you will only need to pay the remaining balance.

Market Segmentation

Middle East and Africa Chocolate Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Dark Chocolate

• Milk Chocolate

• White Chocolate

Market Breakup by Product Type

• Pure Chocolate

• Compound Chocolate

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

• Convenience Stores

• Online

• Others

Market Breakup by Country

• Saudi Arabia

• United Arab Emirates

• Nigeria

• South Africa

• Others

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the chocolate market in Middle East and Africa produce and process cocoa to manufacture and offer products to support the end users in the market.

• Mars, Incorporated

• Mondelez International, Inc.

• Ferrero International S.A.

• Nestlé S.A.

• The Hershey Company

• Barry Callebaut AG

• Cocoa Processing Company Limited

• Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG

• August Storck KG

• Beyers Chocolates

• Others

Key Highlights of the Report