The 4 Countries That Produce the Most Chocolate (2024)

The top four countries responsible for the production of the world's chocolate are Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Poland. These four countries account for over 40% of the world's total chocolate exports. Interestingly, none of the major producers of chocolate are themselves top sources of cocoa, nor are the major cocoa-producing countries also major chocolate manufacturing centers.

There's no real reason that European countries are among the world's leading chocolate manufacturers other than the popularity of chocolate in Europe since its introduction. The U.S. inherited its love of chocolate through its European immigrants, and companies such as Mars Inc. and the Hershey Foods Corporation sprang up to match consumer demand.

Key Takeaways

  • The four top chocolate-producing countries are Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Poland.
  • Switzerland started making chocolate in the 17th century, and the Swiss are the largest consumers of chocolate per capita.
  • Belgium is one of the largest producers, and much of the chocolate is still made by hand.

1. Germany

Germany rang in as the world's top exporter of chocolate in 2020. Chocolate exports from Germany totaled $4.96 billion (USD) in 2020, accounting for a whopping 17% of the world's total exports.

Cologne is often regarded as the chocolate capital of Germany. Chocolate shops in the U.S. often import chocolates from the city to sell alongside U.S. chocolate brands. Stollwerck Chocolates Company is one of the most famous chocolate manufacturers in the country; it also has production plants in Belgium and Switzerland. Other famous chocolate brands in Germany include La Maison du Chocolat, Tortchen, and Leonidas Chocolates.

Germany ranks third, behind Switzerland and Austria, in its per capita consumption of chocolate, which stands at just over 17 pounds per person.

2. Belgium

Belgium is also world-renowned for its chocolates, and it is a major chocolate manufacturing center. One of the most famous chocolate companies in the world, Godiva, makes its home in Brussels. In 2020, Belgium exported $3.1 billion worth of chocolate, accounting for 11% of the world's total exports.

Since 1884, the composition of Belgian chocolate has been regulated by law. To ensure the purity of the chocolate and to prevent reliance on low-quality fat from outside sources, Belgian law mandates that a minimum of 35% pure cocoa must be used in production.

The craft of producing chocolate—and the country's pride in the production process and resulting product—leads the industry to adhere to traditional manufacturing techniques. This includes a ban on artificial, vegetable, or palm oil-based fats in all products that carry a "Belgian chocolate" label. A significant number of the chocolate firms in Belgium still produce chocolate by hand, without the aid of modern production equipment.

3. Italy

Italy is well-known for its chocolates and principal chocolate manufacturers. The production of chocolate is an important source of wealth for the country. In 2020, Italy exported $2.1 billion worth of chocolate, accounting for more than 7% of the world's total chocolate exports.

Some of the most popular chocolate manufacturers in Italy include Majani, Caffarel, and Perugina. Majani's history in the production of chocolate dates back to 1796. The very first shop was created by Teresa Majani in the city of Bologna, then occupied by Napoleon.

4. Poland

Perhaps one of the more surprising entries on this list, Poland has increasingly been a major player in chocolate production. In 2020, the country exported just over $2 billion in chocolate products around the world, accounting for 7.3% of the world's exports.

According to a survey by Statista, the top chocolate manufacturers in Poland in 2021 are, in order, Milka, E.Wedel, and Kinder.

In 2018, the subject of Polish chocolate production found itself on the news when a truck transporting 12 tons of liquid chocolate tipped over, spilling the contents across six lanes of traffic.

Cocoa Beans

Cocoa beans are the primary ingredient in the production of chocolate and West Africa produces approximately two-thirds of the world's cocoa beans. More than 40% of that cocoa bean production is sourced from the Ivory Coast. The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) reports that somewhere around 8 million Ivorians depend on cocoa production and the cocoa industry as a source of livelihood.

Nestle, along with several other chocolate companies, formed the WCF in 2000, largely to address issues that affect cocoa farmers and stabilize cocoa production. Among the stated objectives of the foundation are increased cocoa farmers' income, the establishment of environmental programs, and encouraging the use of sustainable farming techniques.

The 4 Countries That Produce the Most Chocolate (2024)

FAQs

The 4 Countries That Produce the Most Chocolate? ›

The four top chocolate-producing countries are Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Poland. Belgium is one of the largest producers, and much of the chocolate is still made by hand.

What country produces the most chocolate? ›

Côte d'Ivoire (the Ivory Coast) is the largest producer of cocoa in the world, producing over 2 million tons a year. About 75 percent of the land in Côte d'Ivoire is suitable for growing crops, and almost half of its citizens work in agriculture, including many children.

Which continent has 4 of these top chocolate growing countries? ›

About 70 percent of the world's cocoa beans come from four West African countries: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon. The Ivory Coast and Ghana are by far the two largest producers of cocoa, accounting for more than 50 percent of the world´s cocoa.

What are the top 5 countries that consume chocolate? ›

Which Country Eats the Most Chocolate? 2023
Country2023 Population
India1,428,627,663
China1,425,671,352
United States339,996,563
Indonesia277,534,122
224 more rows

Who is the biggest chocolate producer in the world? ›

Largest Chocolate Companies Research Summary

The largest chocolate company in the world is Mars Wrigley Confectionery, with a net sales of $20.0 billion. As of 2023, the global chocolate industry has a market size of $62.4 billion. Over 7.5 million tons of chocolate was sold around the world in 2022.

Where does the US get most of its chocolate? ›

Cocoa beans

Americans import more cocoa from the African nation of Cote d'Ivoire than anywhere else. But as valuable as Americans may find the country's cocoa, it's even more valuable within the country's borders. In Cote d'Ivoire itself, cocoa is reportedly more valuable to the country's citizens than even gold.

What is the chocolate Capital of the world? ›

Brussels, Belgium

If you are with a sweet tooth, definitely visit the capital and largest city of Belgium. The place is known as the 'Chocolate Capital of the World'. There are many amazing places to buy chocolate in Brussels as the city is famous for its creative chocolates and dotted with chocolate shops.

Which country is No 1 in chocolate industry? ›

United States. Our own country is the world's biggest producer of chocolate. One thing that sets American chocolate apart? The frequent use of peanuts and almonds.

Where is best chocolate in the world? ›

Switzerland has, hands down, some of the world's best chocolate. Swiss chocolate is usually high-quality milk chocolate, with a silky smooth texture. Many people credit the delicious taste of Swiss chocolate to the high-quality milk they use from local Alpine cows.

Does the US grow cocoa? ›

Cocoa beans do indeed grow in the USA, but only in very limited areas. There is a narrow band known as the Cocoa Bet or the Chocolate Belt. That sounds more enticing that the Rust Belt or the Snow Belt! The Cocoa Belt essentially follows the tropics, extending twenty degrees north and south of the equator.

Which 2 countries grow the most cocoa? ›

Two thirds of the world's cocoa production is provided by two countries. Just under 2 million tonnes of cocoa (annual production) comes from Côte d'Ivoire. Ghana follows with 0.97 million tonnes as number 2.

Why does American chocolate taste different? ›

As a result of American-made chocolate having lesser percentage cacao, there is a higher sugar content. That's why Americans are usually known for their lighter, sweeter milk chocolates while Europeans consider their chocolates to be almost bitter as a result of the low sugar content.

Who eats the most chocolate country? ›

Switzerland is renowned for its exceptional chocolate. From all of those prism-shaped Toblerone bars in airport duty free shops across the world to the more local Cailler and Frey varieties, it comes as little surprise that Swiss people consume the most chocolate per capita of any country worldwide.

What are the top 4 chocolate producers in the US? ›

Market share of the leading chocolate companies in the United States in 2021
CharacteristicMarket share
Hershey33.5%
Mars26.1%
Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli8.2%
Ferrero & related parties8%
3 more rows
Jan 19, 2023

What is the tastiest chocolate in the world? ›

Teuscher. Named the Best Chocolate in the World by National Geographic Magazine, Teuscher delivers a divine chocolate experience resulting from years of chocolate passion and tradition.

Where does Hershey get their cocoa? ›

The cocoa used by our cocoa product suppliers comes from a number of countries, including Brazil, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Columbia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ghana, Indonesia, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea and Peru.

Which American city is famous for chocolate? ›

Hershey, Pennsylvania

It's just about impossible to talk about candy in the US without talking about Hershey — especially when talking about chocolate.

Which American is famous for chocolate? ›

Côte d'Ivoire is the world's largest producer of cocoa. Each year it harvests more than two million tonnes of cocoa beans; this is around 40 per cent of the global crop.

Which chocolate is USA famous? ›

Hershey's

Still, Hershey's remains among the largest and most traditional American chocolate companies.

Which US city is called chocolate city? ›

In 1957, D.C. became the first large city in the United States to be majority Black, earning it the moniker “Chocolate City.” That shift was in part a function of an expanding Black population during the baby boom. But it was more a function of Whites moving out of the city.

What city is called chocolate Town? ›

Hershey, Pennsylvania
Coordinates: 40°16′42″N 76°39′4″W
CountryUnited States
StatePennsylvania
CountyDauphin
25 more rows

What state grows the most chocolate? ›

Pennsylvania produces the most chocolate of any state. Pennsylvania is home to not only the Hershey Company but also the Wilbur Chocolate Company. Pennsylvania produces about half of all the chocolate made in the United States.

Who exports the most chocolate? ›

Chocolate are the world's 141st most traded product. In 2021, the top exporters of Chocolate were Germany ($5.52B), Belgium ($3.24B), Italy ($2.48B), Poland ($2.31B), and Netherlands ($1.99B).

Who is the largest chocolate manufacturer in the United States? ›

The World's Largest Chocolate and Cocoa Plant, Hershey, PA. Aerial view of the Hershey Chocolate Corporation's factory, world's largest manufacturer of solid chocolate and cocoa products.

What's the most expensive chocolate? ›

Answer: To'ak's Art Series Guayasamín chocolate and House of Knipschildt's La Madeline au Truffe are some of the most expensive gourmet chocolates to try. DeLafée of Switzerland also offers a DeLafée Gold Chocolate Box that comes with an actual antique Swiss gold coin making it a royal indulgence.

Which chocolate is the healthiest? ›

Dark chocolate is by far the healthiest form of the treat, containing the least sugar and, because of its cocoa content, higher levels of substances that protect the body's cells.

What is the most luxurious chocolate brand? ›

Ghirardelli, Lindt, La Maison du Chocolat, Godiva, Valrhona, and Amedei are all some of the most luxurious chocolate brands around the world. They're known for their high-quality ingredients and unique flavor profiles.

Which is healthier cocoa or cacao? ›

Which Is Healthier Cocoa or Cacao? Raw cacao products are considered healthier than processed cocoa because they contain more minerals and antioxidants. Cacao powder is also considered a healthier option than chocolate products that contain high amounts of sugar.

Is it illegal to grow cocoa plants in the US? ›

Cocoa is, of course, the main ingredient in chocolate. Growing cocoa is not illegal, but growing it in a national forest reserve is.

Which state has the most cocoa? ›

Nigeria is the fourth largest cocoa producer worldwide, according to World Atlas, with major cocoa-producing states in Ondo, Cross River, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, Delta, Osun, and Oyo.

Who invented chocolate? ›

The Olmec, one of the earliest civilizations in Latin America, were the first to turn the cacao plant into chocolate. They drank an ancient chocolate drink during rituals and used it as medicine.

Which popular flavor of chocolate is not actually chocolate? ›

What's white chocolate? Actually it isn't even chocolate because it does not contain cocoa particles. It is just cocoa butter mixed with sugar, often with a little vanilla added for flavoring.

Is cacao and cocoa the same thing? ›

Cacao is the raw, unprocessed version of cocoa. Both can benefit your health, but it's best to stick to either the raw version, cacao, or a chocolate product that has a high chocolate liquor content. Raw cacao can take some getting used to. It tastes a little different than cocoa products and can be slightly bitter.

Why does Hershey's not taste like chocolate? ›

Though chocolate companies won't comment on their chocolate-making processes for proprietary reasons, the sour taste of Hershey's — which has been compared to vomit by more than one Brit — probably results from a substance called butyric acid.

Why is American white chocolate so white? ›

Why is white chocolate white? Cocoa butter is extracted from the cocoa bean when making cocoa powder. Even though white chocolate comes from the same cacao bean as dark chocolate, it's white because it doesn't contain cocoa liquor and has a caramel-like colour.

Why does Mexican chocolate taste different than American? ›

When dried cacao (cocoa) beans are cracked open, small pieces are produced, which are known as cacao nibs. To make Mexican chocolate, the nibs are ground and roasted. They have a bitter taste, which gives the chocolate its distinctive flavor.

What country eats the most meat? ›

America ranked as the number one meat eating country, with Australia taking second. Argentina, a country famous for steak ranked in third.

Who eats more chocolate male or female? ›

Women prefer to eat chocolate more than men. While preference among women stands at 91%, for men it is 87%.

What country eats the most ice cream? ›

New Zealand consumes the most ice cream per capita.

Are Kit Kats and Reese's made by the same company? ›

Across the globe, Kit Kat is produced by Nestle except in the United States, where it is made by the H.B. Reese Candy Company, the same company that makes Reese's and is owned by The Hershey Company. Kit Kat first showed up in September 1935 as Rowntree's Chocolate Crisp.

Is Ghirardelli chocolate American? ›

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is an American confectioner, wholly owned by Swiss confectioner Lindt & Sprüngli. The company was founded by and is named after Italian chocolatier Domenico Ghirardelli, who, after working in South America, moved to California.

Where are M&Ms made? ›

There are over 400 million produced each day and "M&M's"® Chocolate Candies are made all over the world. In the U.S. they are made in New Jersey and Tennessee.

What is the sweetest chocolate ever? ›

The sweetest chocolate: Three Musketeers and York Peppermint Patties are 70% sugar by weight. There isn't anything better for a sweet, sugar craving than a chocolate bar. If you want something sticky, gooey, and sweet, Three Musketeers chocolate bars and York Peppermint Patties are chock full of sugar.

Why is Ghirardelli chocolate so good? ›

The chocolate isn't too soft or sugary and offers the right amount of sweetness and crunch. Ghirardelli bars have a solid crunch when you break the bar, which we can appreciate. Aside from chocolate bars, Ghirardelli also wins in the baking mixes and hot chocolate department.

Where is Ghirardelli chocolate made? ›

Since its historic beginnings in 1852, the founder Domingo Ghirardelli was dedicated to creating premium chocolate with highest quality only. Today, the historic chocolate factory at Ghirardelli Square is one of San Francisco's landmark.

Where does Ghirardelli get their cocoa beans? ›

Ghirardelli sources it's cocoa beans through the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program, launched in Ghana in 2008 and in the subsequent years in all our other cocoa bean sourcing origins (Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Madagascar and Papua New Guinea) to improve the livelihoods of our cocoa farmers, their families and ...

Why is Hershey's chocolate so expensive? ›

Demand is still outstripping supply, and Hershey is ramping up capacity to meet it. The candy maker has already raised prices, and consumers have accepted them. Higher prices contributed to sales growth in the fourth quarter, according to the company.

What percentage of Hershey's chocolate is real chocolate? ›

Hershey's milk chocolate contains about 11 percent cacao. In contrast, a serious dark chocolate bar will contain anywhere from 65 percent to 85 percent cacao.

What country has the best chocolate in the world? ›

Switzerland has, hands down, some of the world's best chocolate. Swiss chocolate is usually high-quality milk chocolate, with a silky smooth texture. Many people credit the delicious taste of Swiss chocolate to the high-quality milk they use from local Alpine cows.

Why is chocolate different in America? ›

As a result of American-made chocolate having lesser percentage cacao, there is a higher sugar content. That's why Americans are usually known for their lighter, sweeter milk chocolates while Europeans consider their chocolates to be almost bitter as a result of the low sugar content.

Why is Belgium known for chocolate? ›

When Belgium colonized the Congo, they stepped up their chocolate-making game. It was here that they discovered a huge number of cocoa beans. Their ruler King Leopold III quickly took advantage of this, and Belgium became the main trader of cocoa and chocolate.

What is the number 1 best chocolate in the world? ›

Teuscher. Named the Best Chocolate in the World by National Geographic Magazine, Teuscher delivers a divine chocolate experience resulting from years of chocolate passion and tradition.

What is the rarest chocolate? ›

Xicolatl Bar: The Rarest Chocolate

Crafted from the rarest chocolate in the world, discovered in wild in the Belize rain forest of Central America. With this cacao, the Olmec people invented xicolatl - drinking chocolate nearly 4,000 years ago. Be it jade, it shatters.

What is the most unhealthy candy in the world? ›

Not only do Twix bars have the most calories, but they also have the highest amount of fat, making them the least healthy candy for your child to eat. Just one Fun Size Twix contains 250 calories, 17 grams of sugar and 14 grams of total fat. That's a lot for such a small piece of candy!

Where does Mars get their cocoa? ›

All cocoa we source is produced on land that has not been subject to deforestation or conversion of natural ecosystems after 31 December 2013 or the date specified in a credible landscape-level framework such as the Cocoa & Forests Initiative (CFI).

What US state is known for chocolate? ›

Hawaii is the only U.S. state whose climate is suitable for growing cacao, the main ingredient in chocolate. Yet, more than 180 years since the plant was first documented here, the Islands' bean-to-bar chocolate industry is still in its infancy.

Is Belgian or Swiss chocolate better? ›

Belgian chocolate will typically have a higher cocoa content. So we've learned that Swiss chocolate tends to be creamier and smoother on the palette.

Why does Belgian chocolate taste better? ›

“Belgian chocolate” is chocolate of which the complete process of mixing, refining and conching is done in Belgium. "In addition, Belgian chocolate is finely milled to 18 microns, below the feeling of the tongue's taste buds. This avoids having a grainy taste in the mouth when the chocolate melts on the tongue.

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