South Africa: Cocoa Bean Market 2025

Cocoa Bean Market Size in South Africa

In 2022, the South African cocoa bean market increased by 49% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. In general, consumption showed significant growth. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Cocoa Bean Production in South Africa

In value terms, cocoa bean production amounted to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production faced a sharp curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume decreased by 99.9% against the previous year. Cocoa bean production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

In 2022, the average yield of cocoa beans in South Africa was estimated at less than X kg per ha, stabilizing at the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the yield continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the harvested area of cocoa beans in South Africa totaled less than X ha, approximately reflecting the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area showed a relatively flat trend pattern.

Cocoa Bean Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2022, cocoa bean exports from South Africa surged to X tons, increasing by 205% against the year before. In general, exports, however, showed a noticeable reduction. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, cocoa bean exports reduced dramatically to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, saw a noticeable downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 131%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (X tons), Swaziland (X tons) and Namibia (X kg) were the main destinations of cocoa bean exports from South Africa, with a combined 96% share of total exports. Botswana lagged somewhat behind, comprising a further 2.9%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Botswana (with a CAGR of +44.0%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Swaziland ($X), Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha ($X) and Botswana ($X) constituted the largest markets for cocoa bean exported from South Africa worldwide, together comprising 83% of total exports.

Among the main countries of destination, Botswana, with a CAGR of +53.3%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average cocoa bean export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, which is down by -82.3% against the previous year. Overall, the export price continues to indicate a pronounced contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the average export price increased by 154% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton, and then dropped significantly in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Botswana ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Ghana (+41.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Cocoa Bean Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, overseas purchases of cocoa beans increased by 48% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 199% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, cocoa bean imports soared to $X in 2022. Overall, imports recorded a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 153%. Imports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Uganda (X tons), Tanzania (X tons) and Panama (X tons) were the main suppliers of cocoa bean imports to South Africa, together accounting for 90% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Tanzania (with a CAGR of +218.0%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest cocoa bean suppliers to South Africa were Uganda ($X), Tanzania ($X) and Panama ($X), with a combined 78% share of total imports.

Tanzania, with a CAGR of +140.6%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average cocoa bean import price amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 7.5% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a pronounced decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 28% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Ghana ($X per ton), while the price for Uganda ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ghana (+4.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :