Dark Chocolate Market

Dark Chocolate Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

The global dark chocolate market, as revealed in a new study published by Fact.MR, is expected to reach US$ 69.97 billion in 2024. Over the forecasted period from 2024 to 2034, revenue from the sales of dark chocolate is forecasted to advance at a CAGR of 7.2%, culminating in a market value of US$ 140.25 billion by 2034-end.

Dark chocolate is highly appreciated due to its several health benefits and intense flavors arising from its nutrient and antioxidant content. They are rich sources of minerals, such as iron, copper, manganese, and magnesium. Methylxanthines, including polyphenols and theobromine, are also present in dark chocolates, which helps in improving blood flow and heart health.

The exponential increase in the demand for dark chocolates is attributed to their growing recognition as one of the popular healthier alternatives to ordinary chocolates. Growing consumption of dark chocolate among fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and health-conscious consumers is widening opportunities for market players. The growing spending capacity of more people in potentially high-growth countries is enabling consumers to opt for premium chocolates, such as dark chocolate variants.

Constant technological advancements taking place in chocolate manufacturing, such as ingredient treatments, advanced processing equipment, and packing solutions are helping market players offer differentiated products with improved shelf life. Innovations in textures, product formats, and forms, such as on-the-go and ready-to-drink products, and flavor blends are also contributing to global market growth.

• East Asia is approximated to account for 23.1% of the global dark chocolate market share by the end of 2034.
• Demand for dark chocolate in South Korea is projected to increase at a CAGR of 8% from 2024 to 2034.
• Sales of dark chocolate in Japan are evaluated to rise at 7.7% CAGR through 2034.
• Worldwide demand for organic dark chocolate is projected to accelerate at a CAGR of 7.5% and reach a market value of US$ 77.7 billion by 2034.

Report Attribute	Detail
Dark Chocolate Market Size (2024E)	US$ 69.97 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 140.25 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.2% CAGR
Market Share of Organic Dark Chocolate (2034F)	55.4%
North America Market Share (2034F)	24.3%
Canada Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.7% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	Mondelez International; The Hershey Company; GCPPL Ltd.; Agostoni Chocolate; Barry Callebaut; Nestlé SA; Unilever and Mars Incorporated; Ghirardelli Chocolate Co.; Chocolatiers (UK) Ltd.; Godiva; Lindt & Sprungli AG; Patchi; Blommer Chocolate Company.

What’s Positively Influencing Demand Growth for Dark Chocolate?

“Rising Awareness about Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate”

Dark chocolate containing antioxidants, minerals, and flavonoids is becoming more popular among consumers. Growing preference for premium dark chocolates as gift hampers is stimulating market players to introduce limited-edition seasonal chocolates. Moreover, a higher intake of food products containing flavonoids, including cocoa is helping in minimizing the risk associated with untimely death, which is caused by heart disease. Furthermore, the consumption of dark chocolate helps improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure.

Cocoa powder, which is used as one of the key ingredients in making dark chocolates, assists in lowering LDL and increasing HDL cholesterol. As per the report published by the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), cocoa chocolates have cancer-protective properties with strong antioxidant effects. These health-beneficial characteristics are contributing significantly to the expanding dark chocolate market size.

What Issues are Dark Chocolate Manufacturers Contending With?

“High Caffeine Content in Dark Chocolate Adversely Impacting Health”

Dark chocolates are consisting caffeine, which leads to dehydration and thereby adversely impacts the digestive system. In addition, it also increases the chances of kidney stones owing to oxalates, which are present in dark chocolate. These health issues are adversely impacting the dark chocolate market growth.

Which Initiatives are Empowering New Market Players in This Market?

“Producing Dark Chocolate According to Requirements of Health-conscious Consumers”

New companies need to focus more on the production of dark chocolates with natural sugar and less fat. They are coming up with healthier options and offering chocolates in smaller portion sizes for consumers, who are more concerned with calorie intake and portion control. In addition, rising requirements for organic chocolates manufactured from naturally flavored products are also positively influencing market growth. Launching new variants customized according to regional tastes and health-oriented products, such as vegan, keto-friendly, and sugar-free options are helping new market players increase their profit share.

Country-wise Insights

North America, as opined in the updated report by Fact.MR, is evaluated to account for a 24.3% share of the global market by the end of 2034. Growing consumption of dark chocolate and the presence of some of the popular brands, such as Mondelez International, The Hershey Company, Unilever, Mars Incorporated, and others, are contributing to the strengthened position of North America around the world. Several festivals, such as Good Friday, Christmas, and others are contributing to increased demand for dark chocolate.

What Makes the United States a Key Market for Dark Chocolate Manufacturers?

“Growing Veganism and Preference for Clean Label Products”

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 7.44 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.6% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 15.54 Billion

The United States is forecasted to occupy 45.6% share of the market in North America by 2034. The increasing population of health-conscious people in the country is resulting in the growing consumption of healthy food products. They are more inclined to clean label and vegan food products than ever, which is further contributing to the rising demand for dark chocolate with less sugar.

Why are Dark Chocolate Manufacturers Eyeing China?

“Westernization of Food Habits Opening Doors for Dark Chocolate Producers”

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 7.66 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.2% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 15.39 Billion

China is approximated to possess a share of 47.5% of East Asian market revenue by the end of 2034. Westernization of diets in the country is stimulating more individuals to adopt dark chocolate as one of the most popular non-conventional sweet indulgences. More individuals in China are giving preference to dark chocolate products for their health benefits, such as improving blood flow, lowering bad cholesterol, reducing inflammation, and minimizing insulin resistance.

Which Dark Chocolate Market Trends are Manufacturers Leveraging in Japan?

“Growing Preference for Dark Chocolate as Healthier Snack Option”

Attribute	Japan
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 4.53 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.7% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 9.52 Billion

Japan is analyzed to contribute 29.4% share of East Asian market revenue by 2034-end. The growing popularity of dark chocolate in the country is attributed to its unique flavor. In addition, more individuals are consuming dark chocolates as a healthier option because of their features of lowering the risk of heart disease, reducing inflammation, and improving brain function. Further, these chocolates are also becoming more popular for their insulin-resistance features.

Category-wise Insights

According to the newly published analysis by Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, e-commerce platforms are projected to contribute significantly to the distribution of dark chocolate items. This is attributed to the rising population of smartphone users and offers provided by these sales channels.

Why is Demand for Organic Dark Chocolate So High?

“Increasing Use of Sustainable Practices in Organic Chocolate Production”

Attribute	Organic Chocolate
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 37.81 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.5% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 77.7 Billion

Organic chocolate is projected to hold a 55.4% share of the global market by the end of 2034. Increasing demand for low-sugar or no-sugar chocolate and rising preferences for single-origin chocolate are generating remunerative opportunities for market players. Furthermore, the growing use of fair-trade and sustainable practices in chocolate production is also gaining momentum. Moreover, these trends are highlighting a shift to more sustainable, ethical, and healthier chocolate manufacturing. Organic chocolate has emerged as a popular option with the associated health benefits of plant-based ingredients.

Why is Dark Chocolate Consumed More in the Food & Beverages Industry?

“High Iron and Flavonoid Content of Dark Chocolate Make it Key Ingredient”

Attribute	Food & Beverages
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 53.88 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.1% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 106.59 Billion

The food & beverages industry is calculated to capture a share of 76% of global market revenue by 2034. Dark chocolate is used significantly as a sweetener, flavoring ingredient, thickener, and solid confectionery. Increased consumption of these chocolates in several food products is attributed to their high iron content and flavonoids, which help in decreasing inflammation. In addition, they also help in reducing age-related memory loss.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the dark chocolate industry are investing at a higher rate for the production of organic chocolate with the use of sustainable practices while considering the choices of vegan and health-conscious individuals.

• Nestlé SA is one of the leading manufacturers of dark chocolate. The company is constantly focusing on expanding its offerings with the introduction of new dips and chocolates.

Fact.MR provides detailed information about the price points of key manufacturers of dark chocolate positioned across the world, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in this newly published market report.

Segmentation of Dark Chocolate Market Research

• By Type :

  • Organic
  • Conventional

• By Application :

  • Food & Beverages
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Cosmetics

• By Sales Channel :

  • Modern Trade
  • Specialty Stores
  • Departmental Stores
  • Pharmaceutical & Confectionary Stores
  • Online Stores

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • MEA