China Cocoa Powder Market Overview, 2029

China's cocoa powder industry has evolved dramatically over the years, reflecting the country's rising customer base, advances in manufacturing technology, and shifting economic dynamics. In 2010, big multinational businesses such as Cargill and Barry Callebaut launched operations in China, marking a watershed point in the country's cocoa powder market development. These enterprises implemented cutting-edge cocoa processing methods and high-quality cocoa powders to meet rising demand from local manufacturers and consumers. In 2016, China enacted the "China Food Safety Law," which established severe regulations for food safety and quality. This regulation was critical for the cocoa powder sector since it required strict testing and compliance standards for both imported and domestically produced cocoa powders. In 2018, "low-fat" and "organic cocoa powders" were introduced, which was a major breakthrough. These solutions addressed the growing customer desire for better, more sustainable food options. Another key step forward occurred in 2020, when major players launched "sustainable cocoa sourcing programs". These programs sought to address environmental and social issues related to cocoa production, such as deforestation and labour practices. The pandemic has also expedited shifts in consumer behaviour, with a noticeable move towards online buying and home baking. This transition resulted in increasing cocoa powder sales via e-commerce platforms, as consumers attempted to replicate bakery and confectionery products at home.


According to the research report "China Cocoa Powder Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the China's cocoa powder market is anticipated to grow at more than 3.84% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. China is a major importer and exporter of cocoa powder. The country imports a huge amount of cocoa powder to suit the demands of its growing food and beverage industries. Key import partners include Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Indonesia. According to data from the China Customs Administration, cocoa powder imports have steadily increased over time. In 2019, Cargill formed a partnership with China National Cocoa Company to strengthen local production capacities and increase cocoa quality. This alliance aims to use Cargill's experience and China National's market presence to broaden product options and fulfil expanding consumer demand. Participating in industry trade events and exhibits, such as the China International Food Ingredients & Additives Exhibition, is one way to promote cocoa powder in China. China National Cocoa Company is a major local provider that offers a variety of cocoa powders and related products. Furthermore, Yihai Kerry, a member of the Wilmar International group, has established itself as a major participant in the cocoa powder market, exploiting its enormous distribution network and manufacturing capabilities. International providers like as Cargill, Barry Callebaut, and Olam International continue to dominate the market, supplying a diverse selection of cocoa powders and using their worldwide supply chains to suit local demand.

Different forms of cocoa powder are available in China to meet the diverse needs of consumers and industries. Natural Cocoa Powder, Dutch Process Cocoa Powder, and other specialised versions, such as low-fat and organic cocoa powders, are among the primary types. Dutch process cocoa powder is a market leader in China, thanks to its widespread use in premium chocolate products and beverages. Consumer preferences for gentler, less acidic flavours in sweets, as well as the visual attractiveness of darker colours, are consistent with current trends. The burgeoning middle class, with its increased disposable income, has also fuelled demand for higher-quality, premium chocolate products. Domestic providers like China National Cocoa Company distribute both natural and Dutch process cocoa powders, while foreign players like Barry Callebaut maintain a consistent supply. Natural cocoa powder is produced by pressing roasted cocoa beans to extract the majority of the cocoa butter. It is highly acidic, with a pH of roughly 5 to 6, and has a rich, bitter flavour, making it suitable for baking and making specific confections. Natural cocoa powder is widely utilised in China's home market, where it is an essential ingredient in cakes, cookies, and chocolate-flavored snacks. Low-fat and organic cocoa powders have grown in popularity in recent years as consumers become more concerned with their health and the environment. Organic cocoa powders, in particular, are sought after by health-conscious consumers and businesses that prioritise environmentally responsible production. Low-fat cocoa powders are utilised in functional meals and beverages where calorie reduction is vital. International suppliers like as Olam and Cargill have introduced various variations into the Chinese market to supplement domestic producers' offerings.

In China, cocoa powder is used in a variety of industries, including chocolate and confectionery, bakery, beverage, functional food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In China, cocoa powder is most commonly used in the chocolate and confectionery industry. This domination is fuelled by the chocolate industry's rapid expansion and rising consumption of chocolate-based products. Rising urbanisation, combined with rising demand for luxury and imported chocolates, has accelerated the need for high-quality cocoa powder. The growth of e-commerce platforms has also made chocolate products more available to customers across the country, reinforcing the sector's dominance. Premium chocolate manufacturers rely on international suppliers such as Barry Callebaut and Cargill for high-quality cocoa powder, while domestic companies such as China National Cocoa Company supply local confectionery brands. Cocoa powder is widely used in the baking business to make cakes, cookies, brownies, and pastries. Local producers like Yihai Kerry cater to this expanding bakery business, which has grown as a result of the popularity of Western-style bakeries and home baking trends. China's beverage industry has expanded dramatically, with ready-to-drink chocolate beverages and powdered drink mixes becoming increasingly popular. Cocoa powder is becoming more popular in functional meals as people become more aware of its antioxidant characteristics and health benefits, such as heart health. Cocoa powder is incorporated into protein bars, snack bars, and nutritional supplements. Cocoa powder is employed in health supplement formulations due to its high flavonoid content, which is known for its cardiovascular and cognitive benefits.


In the Chinese cocoa powder market, distribution takes place through both offline and online channels, each serving a different customer niche and demands. The balance between these channels has evolved dramatically in recent years, owing mostly to the rapid rise of e-commerce and the changing retail scene in China. Historically, offline channels have been the most common means of distribution in China's cocoa powder sector. These include supermarkets, hypermarkets, speciality food stores, bakeries and wholesale markets. Major retail chains such as Walmart China, RT-Mart, and Carrefour continue to play an important role in making cocoa powder available to end users, particularly for home baking, small-scale candy manufacturers, and local bakeries. Offline distribution also includes B2B channels, where large food producers buy cocoa powder in bulk from vendors. These businesses rely on direct partnerships with domestic suppliers like Yihai Kerry, as well as international providers like Barry Callebaut and Cargill, to ensure continuous supply and quality. Online channels have emerged as the primary distribution mechanism for cocoa powder in China, owing to the country's robust e-commerce infrastructure, shifting consumer preferences, and the convenience of home delivery. The growth in popularity of home baking during the COVID-19 pandemic boosted online sales, and this trend has lasted even after the pandemic. Platforms such as Tmall and JD.com dominate because they offer simple access to a wide range of cocoa powder products from both domestic suppliers such as Yihai Kerry and foreign names such as Olam and Cargill. Furthermore, e-commerce platforms frequently provide thorough product information, consumer feedback, and competitive pricing, making them attractive to a broader audience.



Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Cocoa Powder market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Natural Cocoa Powder
• Dutch Process Cocoa Powder
• Others

By Application
• Chocolate & Confectionery
• Bakery
• Beverage
• Functional Food
• Pharmaceutical
• Cosmetics

By Distribution Channel
• Offline
• Online

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Cocoa Powder industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.