As of 2024, the global chocolate industry is worth $127.9 billion USD. Many people overlook the power of global chocolate consumption, but from boosting your mood to making the perfect gift, chocolate plays an important role in all our lives.
With the ever-expanding interest in specialty chocolates, it's not surprising that the world chocolate industry is projected to continue growing by the billions each year. So for those wondering whether or not to support your local chocolate maker, check out these statistics and facts about chocolate consumption in 2024.
There are so many outdated statistics on chocolate online that I spent more than 20 hours researching this article. It's all in the name of sharing the most accurate and current data on chocolate consumption & the chocolate market in 2024. If you use any of my research, please let me know how it helped by linking back to this post!
Overview: 31 Chocolate Consumption Statistics & Facts
- Halloween is the most popular time of year to buy chocolate.
- November 1 is the biggest day for chocolate sales in the US.
- More than 90% of Americans plan to gift chocolate for Christmas.
- The most popular time of day to eat chocolate is in the evening.
- Annual global chocolate consumption in 2022 is was roughly 7.5 million tons.
- The average cost of a chocolate bar in 2024 is up 8%.
- Online chocolate shopping now accounts for 40% of consumer behavior.
- In 2021, sales of premium chocolates grew 23% over the three years prior.
- 57% of consumers prefer buying Fair Trade certified chocolates.
- 49% of Americans prefer milk chocolate.
- Americans spend an average of $144.90 on chocolate, per capita.
- The average American eats about 3 chocolate bars per week.
- Dark chocolate is preferred by roughly 34% of Americans.
- Three of the five biggest chocolate manufacturers in the world are American.
- Chocolate accounts for 59% of all candy sales in the US, as of 2018.
- In the US, milk chocolate only needs to contain 10% cacao paste.
- Nutella accounts for more than 50% of world sales of chocolate spreads.
- Swiss-based Barry Callebaut processed just over 20% of the global cacao crop in 2021.
- Most candy is sold after 2pm, with peak sales between 4pm and 5pm.
- The Swiss eat the most chocolate in the world at 25.5 pounds per person.
- Europe is the largest chocolate market, with $45 billion in chocolate sales projected in 2022.
- The chocolate market in China is projected to reach $4 billion by 2025.
- The global chocolate industry is worth $127.9 billion in 2024.
- In 2021, just 2 countries grew over 60% of the global cacao supply.
- Just 3.1% of the world's cocoa is certified organic.
- Cacao farmers only earn an average of 6% of the final price of a chocolate bar.
- Five million tons of cacao beans were processed in 2021.
- Roughly 40% of Cote d ’Ivoirians are involved in cocoa farming.
- Over 80% of cacao farmers in the Cote d’Ivoire make less than $1 a day.
- 63% of consumers consider responsible labor practices the most important thing in chocolate.
- Despite not growing cacao, Europe is responsible for processing 35% of the world's cacao.
Holiday Chocolate Statistics
How much chocolate do American eat during holidays? The answer seems to be most of it. One of the things that blew my mind when I first got into the chocolate industry is how early on companies get started with holiday products, with most companies starting production for Christmas chocolates in July.
1) Halloween is the most popular time of year to buy chocolate.
(CityNews Winnipeg)
Accounting for 10% of major American chocolate manufacturers' annual sales, the week before Halloween is the most popular time of year to buy chocolate, followed by Easter. The total spend on Halloween candy reached $3 billion in the US in 2021, with global spend even higher.
2) November 1 is the biggest day for chocolate sales in the US.
(CityNews Winnipeg)
If you're like me, you grew up knowing that the best time to buy cheap chocolate is on November 1st, when all the Halloween chocolates go on sale. Although most Halloween chocolate sales occur in the week before the holiday, the biggest day for chocolate sales in the US is November 1st, wit ever-increasing spend globally.
3) More than 90% of Americans plan to gift chocolate for Christmas.
(PRNewswire)
From a study conducted in 2019, researchers found that over 90% of Americans planned to gift chocolate and candy for Christmas. In the 2020's, the fastest-growing chocolate market is the Asia Pacific region, with the largest market still being Europe.
Chocolate Consumption After Covid
With the current recession post-covid, when we eat chocolate and how much chocolate is eaten in the world has shifted. Looking at the numbers of chocolate consumption, sales are expected to slightly increase, contrary to most other consumer goods.
Despite causing a dip in chocolate sales at the beginning of the pandemic, the global chocolate market rebounded in 2022 and into 2024.
4) The most popular time of day to eat chocolate is in the evening.
(MarketWatch)
While snacking on chocolate is always popular, the most popular time of day that people enjoy chocolate is in the evening, just after 8pm. This falls in line with American dessert culture, which dictates a sweet treat after dinner.
5) Annual global chocolate consumption in 2024 is projected at 7.5 million tons.
(CBI)
With around 7.7 billion people on the planet and an average annual chocolate consumption of just under 2 pounds per person, it's no surprise that worldwide chocolate consumption in 2024 is up to 7.5 million tons. That's 16 billion pounds of chocolate a year!
6) The average cost of a chocolate bar in 2024 is up 8%.
(IRI Worldwide)
Inflation hit nearly every industry in 2023, and chocolate is no different. The average cost of a chocolate bar is up 8% over the year before, trailing somewhat behind other household goods & foods.
7) Online chocolate shopping now accounts for 40% of consumer behavior.
(Fine Chocolate Industry Association)
According to research shared by industry non-profit the Fine Chocolate Industry Association, online chocolate shopping accounts for roughly 40% of consumer chocolate browsing. The statistic comes from customer surveys done in 2021, and reflects the shift towards online purchasing post-pandemic. Part of the shift is fueled by the ever-increasing buying power of Millennials and Gen Z consumers.
8) In 2021, sales of premium chocolates grew 23% over the three years prior.
(Fine Chocolate Industry Association)
Much like the rest of the chocolate industry, premium and craft chocolates continue to increase in market share and consumer recognition. As of 2021, the global sales of premium chocolates grew 23% relative to those of 2018.
9) 57% of consumers prefer buying Fair Trade certified chocolates.
(Fairtrade International)
According to internal market research from the Fairtrade International Corporation, 57% of consumers express a preference for buying Fair Trade certified chocolates over those without a certification.
American Chocolate Consumption Statistics
The statistics on American chocolate consumption in 2024 vary wildly, as the effects of the pandemic remain to be fully seen. However Valentine's Day chocolate consumption is expected to be on the rise, as consumers tend to treat themselves with smaller items during an economic downturn, such as chocolates.
10) 49% of Americans prefer milk chocolate.
(YouGov)
In a survey of over five thousand American adults, 49% of respondents said they prefer milk chocolate over dark or milk, and historically this preference has held up.
11) Americans spend an average of $144.90 on chocolate, per capita.
(Statistica)
In 2021, the average American spend on chocolate was a whopping $144.90 per person. Now that's a lot of bonbons.
12) The average American eats about 3 chocolate bars per week.
(Statistica)
Speaking of bonbons, the most recent research suggests that the average American eats roughly 19.8 pounds of chocolate per year, or about 3 bars of chocolate per week.
13) Dark chocolate is preferred by roughly 34% of Americans.
(YouGov)
While precious few respondents prefer white chocolate, a 2021 survey of several thousand Americans found that dark chocolate is preferred by about 34% of those living in the US. (YouGov)
14) Three of the five biggest chocolate manufacturers in the world are American.
(ICCO)
The classic American chocolate brand of Hershey's comes in at number 5, with Mondelez (formerly from Kraft) at number 3, and the manufacturing giant Mars Chocolate in the number 1 spot.
15) Chocolate accounts for 59% of all candy sales in the US, as of 2018.
(National Confectioners Association)
While this stat includes mostly chocolate-flavored candy bars, it's increasingly made up of some incredible bean-to-bar chocolate being made in all parts of the world.
16) In the US, milk chocolate only needs to contain 10% cacao paste.
(FDA)
According to American FDA standards, milk chocolate only needs to contain 10% cocoa beans (chocolate liquor) and a minimum of 15.39% milk (12% milk solids & 3.39% milkfat).
International Chocolate Market Statistics
World chocolate market numbers vary by region, with 2024 chocolate sales in Europe projecting a decline due to the ongoing war. But interest in more ethical and sustainable chocolates continue to be on the rise, with vegan and gluten-free remaining some of the fasting-growing segments.
17) Nutella accounts for more than 50% of world sales of chocolate spreads.
(Euromonitor International)
With a loose use of 'chocolate' here, Nutella is one of the most popular chocolate spreads in the world, and still dominates the market share.
18) Swiss-based Barry Callebaut processed just over 20% of the global cacao crop in 2021.
(Barry Callebaut)
In 2021, Swiss-based chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut processed just over 20% of the global cacao crop, equating to around 1,000,000 tons of cacao per year.
19) Most candy is sold after 2pm, with peak sales between 4pm and 5pm.
(Candy Industry)
It may come as no surprise that surveys show that people start to crave sweets as soon as their afternoon coffees wear off, and just as they're finishing work.
20) The Swiss eat the most chocolate in the world at 22 pounds per person.
(Statistica)
Recent chocolate market data shows that Swiss people eat the most chocolate in the world, at an average of 22 pounds per person in 2021. This number is actually slightly down from the year before, out of sync with the slight uptick in chocolate sales seen during the pandemic.
21) Europe is the largest chocolate market, with $45 billion in chocolate sales projected in 2022.
(Mordor Intelligence)
As it's been for the last few hundred years, the largest chocolate market in the world is Europe, with the fastest-growing chocolate market being the Asia Pacific region. 2022 chocolate sales projections put numbers at $45 billion, though the current economic downturn & refugee crisis will certainly have ripple effects in the industry.
22) The chocolate market in China is projected to reach $4 billion by 2025.
(Marketing China)
In addition to starting experiments on growing cacao in southern China, the eastern nation is also one of the fastest-growing chocolate markets. As one of the world's largest economies, even small changes in Chinese chocolate consumption will affect global chocolate consumption statistics. Most recent data suggests that the chocolate market in China will reach $4 billion by the year 2025.
23) The global chocolate industry is worth $127.9 billion.
(Markets and Markets)
The most recent research shows that the 2024 global chocolate industry is worth roughly $127.9 billion. This is reflective of roughly 13% of the $980 billion global confectionery industry, and more than 6x the value of the 2022 global cocoa market, at $21.1 billion.
Cacao Industry Statistics
Cacao trees can produce hundred of pods (fruits) per year, with about 40-50 cocoa beans in every pod. That’s a couple hundred chocolate bars per tree per year, but cocoa farmers rarely reap these rewards.
24) In 2021, just 2 countries grew over 60% of the global cacao supply.
(ICCO)
In 2021, just two countries grew roughly 62% of the global cacao supply: the Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana.
25) Just 3.1% of the world's cocoa is certified organic.
(FiBL)
As of 2019, just 3.1% of the world's cocoa crop is certified organic. The expensive process continues to grow in popularity, however, with above-average growth expected for the organic chocolate market in 2024. This encourages many farmers to start switching their land to organic farming practices, though the entire change can take up to 3 years before farmers can sell cacao as organic.
26) Cacao farmers only earn an average of 6% of the final price of a chocolate bar.
(Fern Org)
This chocolate statistic is often-quoted and little-changed, much like the chocolate industry itself. Cacao farmers only earn an average of 6% of the final price of a chocolate bar, and while some of this is logistical, most of it is political.
27) Five million tons of cacao beans were processed in 2021.
(ICCO)
Total global cacao processing equaled roughly 11 billion pounds in 2021.
28) Roughly 40% of Cote d ’Ivoirians are involved in cocoa farming.
(Slave-Free Chocolate)
Just shy of 40% of the population of the Cote d’Ivoire is involved in cocoa farming. This includes the small-hold farmers who constitute the majority, as well as their families and all the middle people who get that cacao from West Africa to your favorite chocolate bar.
29) Over 80% of cacao farmers in the Cote d’Ivoire make less than $1 a day.
(Confectionery News)
Distressingly, over 80% of the Cote d’Ivoire's millions of cacao farmers make less than $1 a day. This statistic dates back to a 2014 survey done by major chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut on the very cacao farms they source from. In the almost-decade since, Callebaut has make big moves to look like they are trying to improves farmers lives, but little has actually changed.
30) 63% of consumers consider responsible labor practices the most important thing in chocolate.
(National Confectioners Association)
Nearly two-thirds of consumers consider engaging in responsible labor practices to be the most important thing when choosing what chocolate to buy.
31) Despite not growing cacao, Europe is responsible for processing 35% of the world's cacao.
(ICCO)
Despite not growing cacao, Europe is responsible for processing 35% of the world's cacao, and consuming a whopping 45% of world chocolate consumption.
FAQs About Chocolate
What are the five biggest chocolate companies in the world?
The 'big five' chocolate companies are Mars Incorporated, Ferrero International, Mondelez International Inc. (Kraft Foods), Hershey's Chocolate, and Nestle.
How much is the global chocolate industry worth in 2024?
The global chocolate industry is worth an estimated $100-130 billion USD per year.
Which region produces the most cacao?
West Africa produces the most cacao, with the Cote d'Ivoire accounting for 43% of global production.
Which region accounts for the largest share in the chocolate market?
Europe accounts for the largest share of the chocolate market in 2024, at 45% of total demand.
Author's Note: There are a lot of statistics about chocolate consumption out there, but the numbers vary wildly, not to mention the projections for the chocolate market in the future. To compile the data here, I've turned only to trusted sources in the industry & calculations therein, based on over a decade working in craft chocolate.
Jump To
- Holiday Chocolate Statistics
- 1) Halloween is the most popular time of year to buy chocolate.
- 2) November 1 is the biggest day for chocolate sales in the US.
- 3) More than 90% of Americans plan to gift chocolate for Christmas.
- Chocolate Consumption After Covid
- 4) The most popular time of day to eat chocolate is in the evening.
- 5) Annual global chocolate consumption in 2024 is projected at 7.5 million tons.
- 6) The average cost of a chocolate bar in 2024 is up 8%.
- 7) Online chocolate shopping now accounts for 40% of consumer behavior.
- 8) In 2021, sales of premium chocolates grew 23% over the three years prior.
- 9) 57% of consumers prefer buying Fair Trade certified chocolates.
- American Chocolate Consumption Statistics
- 10) 49% of Americans prefer milk chocolate.
- 11) Americans spend an average of $144.90 on chocolate, per capita.
- 12) The average American eats about 3 chocolate bars per week.
- 13) Dark chocolate is preferred by roughly 34% of Americans.
- 14) Three of the five biggest chocolate manufacturers in the world are American.
- 15) Chocolate accounts for 59% of all candy sales in the US, as of 2018.
- 16) In the US, milk chocolate only needs to contain 10% cacao paste.
- International Chocolate Market Statistics
- 17) Nutella accounts for more than 50% of world sales of chocolate spreads.
- 18) Swiss-based Barry Callebaut processed just over 20% of the global cacao crop in 2021.
- 19) Most candy is sold after 2pm, with peak sales between 4pm and 5pm.
- 20) The Swiss eat the most chocolate in the world at 22 pounds per person.
- 21) Europe is the largest chocolate market, with $45 billion in chocolate sales projected in 2022.
- 22) The chocolate market in China is projected to reach $4 billion by 2025.
- 23) The global chocolate industry is worth $127.9 billion.
- Cacao Industry Statistics
- 24) In 2021, just 2 countries grew over 60% of the global cacao supply.
- 25) Just 3.1% of the world's cocoa is certified organic.
- 26) Cacao farmers only earn an average of 6% of the final price of a chocolate bar.
- 27) Five million tons of cacao beans were processed in 2021.
- 28) Roughly 40% of Cote d ’Ivoirians are involved in cocoa farming.
- 29) Over 80% of cacao farmers in the Cote d’Ivoire make less than $1 a day.
- 30) 63% of consumers consider responsible labor practices the most important thing in chocolate.
- 31) Despite not growing cacao, Europe is responsible for processing 35% of the world's cacao.
- FAQs About Chocolate
