From January to September 2020, Central American countries imported $211 million for confectionery, chocolates and other cocoa-based preparations, an amount that is 17% lower than what was reported during the same period in 2019.
Data from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graph"]
In the first half of 2020, Central American countries imported $140 million worth of candies, chocolates and other cocoa-based preparations, and purchases from Chinese companies exceeded by 13% what was reported during the same period of 2019.
Data from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graph"]
In 2018, countries in the region imported candies, chocolates and other cocoa-based preparations for $348 million, 2% more than was reported during 2017.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
In the first nine months of 2018, countries in the region imported candies, chocolates and other cocoa-based preparations for $249 million, 2% more than in the first half of 2017.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphics]
The new 720 square meter industrial plant is located at kilometer 93 of the international highway from San Pedro Sula to La Entrada and required a $2 million investment.
The company reported that the new plant will manufacture 18 varieties of XOL brand gourmet chocolate, which will be exported to markets in Europe and America.
In the first six months of the year, countries in the region imported candies, chocolates and other cocoa-based products for $167 million, 3% more than in the first half of 2017.
Figures from the information system on the Candy and Chocolate Market in Central America compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
In the first quarter of 2018 companies in Costa Rica imported $9 million worth of candies and chocolates, 4% more than in the same period in 2017.
Figures from the information system of the Confectionery and Chocolate Market in Costa Rica, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption= "Click to interact with graph"]
World production projected for the end of 2015/16 cycle will decrease by 6% compared to the period 2014/15.
From a report at the end of August by the International Cocoa Organization:
London, 31 August 2016--The International Cocoa Organization today releases its revised forecasts for the current 2015/2016 cocoa year and revised estimates of world production, grindings and stocks of cocoa beans for 2014/2015, as summarized below.
In order to take advantage of the growing global demand for cocoa and fine chocolates, in the last three years the number of hectares dedicated to the cultivation of cocoa in the country went from 3169 to 4000.
Supporting efforts to obtain a high-quality grain, local producers are increasing acreage and diversifying final products, in order to export cocoa not only in its whole grain or chopped format, but also products such as chocolate, cocoa butter, liqueurs and other things.
Central American producers are invited to attend the Regional Cocoa Forum on August 17 and 18 in the Expocentre in San Pedro Sula.
The Cocoa Producers Association of Honduras (APROCACAHO) invites producers in Central America to exchange experiences regarding climate change, markets and obtaining good cocoa prices, reported Latribuna.hn.
"... Anibal Ayala, executive director of APROCACAHO said that the event will feature a taste contest, and will address issues such as climate change, production quality and information systems, which will be discussed by experts from the participating countries."
Promotion is being given to exports to China of organic cocoa-based foods, chocolate confectionery, unsweetened cocoa powder and cocoa paste.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Office of Costa Rica:
Western foods are gaining increasing market share in South Korea, whose market depends heavily on imports, which have been boosted by growth in per capita spending on food.
China and Russia are beginning to position themselves globally as the two emerging markets with the greatest potential for growth in the consumption of chocolate.
While European countries remain the main consumers of cocoa and its derivatives worldwide, in some of them the sector appears to be becoming saturated, while the Asian markets, particularly China and Russia, are beginning to show more and more interest in importing these products.
In 2014 exports of cocoa-based products generated revenue of $8.4 million, 6% more than in 2013.
Most of the cocoa products which are exported are based on dark chocolate, but varieties of white chocolate and milk chocolate are also sold. The Costa Rican company Grupo Britt, manufacturer and exporter of coffee and chocolate, reports that during the past five years it exported around $10 million worth, "... with a double-digit growth."
Consumers in Japan and China are beginning to replace traditional milk chocolate with dark chocolate, attracted by the health benefits of cocoa polyphenols.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Promotion Office of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
In the Asia Choco Cocoa Congress, held from 21 to 23 April in Singapore, experts discussed a change that is occurring in the Japanese consumers, who are turning away from the popular milk chocolate in favor of dark chocolate, due to the growing interest that has arisen in cocoa polyphenols and their effect on health.
Operating Company dedicated to the manufacture of gluten-free and sugar-free products, OHNE brand. The OHNE brand has 8 product lines: square bread, sweet...