Benelux: Cocoa Bean Market 2025

Cocoa Bean Market Size in Benelux

The Benelux cocoa bean market shrank rapidly to $X in 2022, dropping by -16.8% against the previous year. Overall, consumption, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2017 to 2022, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Cocoa Bean Production in Benelux

In value terms, cocoa bean production stood at $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume decreased by 99.9% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Luxembourg (X kg) remains the largest cocoa bean producing country in Benelux, accounting for 100% of total volume.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in Luxembourg was relatively modest.

Cocoa Bean Exports

Exports in Benelux

After three years of growth, shipments abroad of cocoa beans decreased by -63.9% to X tons in 2022. Overall, exports saw a perceptible downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 119%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2021, and then dropped sharply in the following year.

In value terms, cocoa bean exports fell rapidly to $X in 2022. In general, exports recorded a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 130%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2021, and then shrank sharply in the following year.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands was the major exporter of cocoa beans in Benelux, with the volume of exports resulting at X tons, which was near 89% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), constituting an 11% share of total exports.

The Netherlands experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of cocoa beans. Belgium (-17.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of the Netherlands (+34 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of Belgium (-33.7 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) remains the largest cocoa bean supplier in Benelux, comprising 88% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($X), with a 12% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in the Netherlands amounted to -1.9%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in Benelux amounted to $X per ton, declining by -14.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price recorded a slight shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the Netherlands amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (-0.8%).

Cocoa Bean Imports

Imports in Benelux

Cocoa bean imports declined dramatically to X tons in 2022, waning by -27.3% against the previous year's figure. Overall, imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 17%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, cocoa bean imports fell sharply to $X in 2022. In general, imports showed a mild descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when imports increased by 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2021, and then declined notably in the following year.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands was the largest importer of cocoa beans in Benelux, with the volume of imports amounting to X tons, which was approx. 84% of total imports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), mixing up a 16% share of total imports.

The Netherlands experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of imports of cocoa beans. Belgium (-4.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. The Netherlands (+7.4 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Belgium saw its share reduced by -7.4% from 2012 to 2022, respectively.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported cocoa beans in Benelux, comprising 81% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($X), with a 19% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in the Netherlands was relatively modest.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Benelux amounted to $X per ton, declining by -17.6% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a slight descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the import price increased by 17%. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the Netherlands totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (-1.2%).

Source: IndexBox Platform