China Chocolate Market Size
| Icons | Lable | Value |
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Study Period | 2018 - 2030 |
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Market Size (2024) | USD 3.65 Billion |
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Market Size (2030) | USD 4.76 Billion |
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Largest Share by Distribution Channel | Supermarket/Hypermarket |
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CAGR (2024 - 2030) | 4.52 % |
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Fastest Growing by Distribution Channel | Online Retail Store |
Major Players |
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in alphabetical order. |
China Chocolate Market Analysis
The China Chocolate Market size is estimated at 3.65 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 4.76 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.52% during the forecast period (2024-2030).
3.65 Billion
Market Size in 2024 (USD)
4.76 Billion
Market Size in 2030 (USD)
2.42 %
CAGR (2018-2023)
4.52 %
CAGR (2024-2030)
Largest Segment by Confectionery Variant
63.92 %
value share, Dark Chocolate, 2023
Due to the health benefits and flavor profile, Dark chocolate perceives due to its greater cocoa percentage, rising health awareness is making it larger segment in the region.
Largest Segment by Distribution Channel
41.93 %
value share, Supermarket/Hypermarket, 2023
Consumers' purchasing from supermarkets and hypermarkets is increasing with the wide offerings in stores and the expansion of shelf space for innovative chocolate products.
Fastest-growing Segment by Confectionery variant
4.78 %
Projected CAGR, Dark Chocolate, 2024-2030
The increasing demand for low-fat and sugar-free chocolates, catalyzed by growing health consciousness among individuals, is anticipated to drive demand for Dark Chocolate.
Fastest-growing Segment by Distribution Channel
4.92 %
Projected CAGR, Online Retail Store, 2024-2030
The ease of shopping experience through online channels and the increasing number of retailers present in this channel has become the major driver in the segment.
Leading Market Player
37.95 %
market share, Mars Incorporated, 2022
The presence of exhaustive product offerings, along with a larger distribution network and a wider presence throughout the region, has made Mars a leading market player.
Supermarkets/hypermarkets and convenience stores collectively hold the major share of sales of chocolates among consumers due to the wide availability of products, coupled with discounts offered by them
- In China, the overall retailing segment has maintained a growth of 3.92% in 2023 as compared to 2022. The growth is anticipated with the consumers' growing inclination for convenience shopping facilities in the market. Aspects such as rising interest in in-person shopping and demand for discount offers, etc., are likely to drive the retailing industry drastically. During the forecast period, it is estimated that the overall retailing unit in China will attain a growth of 4.64% by volume share.
- Under the overall retailing segment, the convenience store segment is considered the largest retailing unit by volume in 2023. Some of the famous stores in China are Easy Joy, Meiyijia, uSmile, and others. By 2026, the convenience store segment in China is estimated to preserve a growth of 3.34% by volume share compared to 2025.
- Supermarkets and hypermarkets are marked as the second-largest units in the Chinese chocolate market. These stores have a tendency to offer a wide range of chocolate products with innovative offers to their customers. It is reported that the sales volume of chocolate products in supermarkets and hypermarkets grew by 4.22% in 2022 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 19.7% during 2026-2028 in China.
- Online retailing or e-commerce retailing is considered the fastest-growing retailing unit in China. The e-commerce business accounted for a CAGR of 5.92% in 2023. The major aspect that is influencing the acceleration of e-commerce websites is associated with the greater convenience offered by these websites, such as home shopping, 24*7 product purchasing options, and others. In addition, the increasing number of internet users is expected to drive this industry significantly.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
China Chocolate Market Trends
Effective marketing and branding campaigns, along with popularity of dark chocolate among consumers, impact the positive growth in the country
- The Chinese chocolate market, as with other Asian chocolate markets, is heavily influenced by special occasion purchases. In China, the special occasions for explosive chocolate consumption are the Chinese New Year, Qixi, Valentine's Day, or weddings.
- Packaging and nutritional content claims are the major product attributes that remain the first impression of chocolates, which determines the likelihood of purchasing chocolate confectionery in the country.
- Price is a crucial factor that influences consumer buying behavior on chocolate confectionery products in China. In 2022, 67% of consumers consider price as one of the most important factors when making a purchase decision.
- Dark chocolate remains the most preferred healthy chocolate variety in China, acquiring 61% of volume consumption in 2023. Consumer shift toward healthy snacking with the influence of rising obesity prevalence is boosting the purchase of dark chocolates in China.
China Chocolate Industry Overview
The China Chocolate Market is fairly consolidated, with the top five companies occupying 66.56%. The major players in this market are Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG, Ferrero International SA, Mars Incorporated, Nestlé SA and Yıldız Holding AS (sorted alphabetically).
China Chocolate Market Leaders
Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
Ferrero International SA
Mars Incorporated
Nestlé SA
Yıldız Holding AS
Other important companies include Cargill Incorporated, Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd, Kindy Foods Company Limited, Meiji Holdings Company Ltd, Mondelēz International Inc., ROYCE' Confect Co. Ltd, The Hershey Company.
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in alphabetical order.
Need More Details on Market Players and Competitors?
China Chocolate Market News
- February 2023: The Hershey Company launched limited-edition chocolate bars to honor the celebration of International Women’s Day.
- November 2022: Godiva launched its Limited Edition Holiday Gold Collection with a new festive design.
- August 2022: Nestlé expanded its business by launching new chocolate products in China. The products were launched at the first China International Consumer Products Expo, demonstrating the company’s continued commitment to the local market.
Free with this Report
We provide a comprehensive and exhaustive set of data pointers for global, regional, and country-level metrics that illustrate the fundamentals of the confectionery industry. With the help of 45+ free charts, clients can access in-depth market analysis based on price trend analysis of confectionery ingredients and per capita consumption of confections, through granular-level segmental information supported by a repository of market data, trends, and expert analysis. Data and analysis on confections, confectionery variants, sugar content, insights into consumer preferences and purchasing patterns, an overview of key market players, etc., are available in the form of comprehensive reports as well as excel-based data worksheets.
China Chocolate Market Report - Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS
REPORT OFFERS
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Study Assumptions & Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Study
1.3. Research Methodology
2. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
2.1. Regulatory Framework
2.2. Consumer Buying Behavior
2.3. Ingredient Analysis
2.4. Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis
3. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)
3.1. Confectionery Variant
3.1.1. Dark Chocolate
3.1.2. Milk and White Chocolate
3.2. Distribution Channel
3.2.1. Convenience Store
3.2.2. Online Retail Store
3.2.3. Supermarket/Hypermarket
3.2.4. Others
4. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
4.1. Key Strategic Moves
4.2. Market Share Analysis
4.3. Company Landscape
4.4. Company Profiles
4.4.1. Cargill Incorporated
4.4.2. Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
4.4.3. Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd
4.4.4. Ferrero International SA
4.4.5. Kindy Foods Company Limited
4.4.6. Mars Incorporated
4.4.7. Meiji Holdings Company Ltd
4.4.8. Mondelēz International Inc.
4.4.9. Nestlé SA
4.4.10. ROYCE' Confect Co. Ltd
4.4.11. The Hershey Company
4.4.12. Yıldız Holding AS
5. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR CONFECTIONERY CEOS
6. APPENDIX
6.1. Global Overview
6.1.1. Overview
6.1.2. Porter’s Five Forces Framework
6.1.3. Global Value Chain Analysis
6.1.4. Market Dynamics (DROs)
6.2. Sources & References
6.3. List of Tables & Figures
6.4. Primary Insights
6.5. Data Pack
6.6. Glossary of Terms
List of Tables & Figures
- Figure 1:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 2:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 3:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 4:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 5:
- VOLUME SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, %, CHINA, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 6:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, %, CHINA, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 7:
- VOLUME OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 8:
- VALUE OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 9:
- VALUE SHARE OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, CHINA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 10:
- VOLUME OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 11:
- VALUE OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 12:
- VALUE SHARE OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, CHINA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 13:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 14:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 15:
- VOLUME SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, CHINA, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 16:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, CHINA, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 17:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 18:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 19:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, CHINA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 20:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 21:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 22:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, CHINA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 23:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 24:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 25:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, CHINA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 26:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 27:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 28:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, CHINA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 29:
- MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES BY NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES, COUNT, CHINA, 2018 - 2023
- Figure 30:
- MOST ADOPTED STRATEGIES, COUNT, CHINA, 2018 - 2023
- Figure 31:
- VALUE SHARE OF MAJOR PLAYERS, %, CHINA, 2022
China Chocolate Industry Segmentation
Dark Chocolate, Milk and White Chocolate are covered as segments by Confectionery Variant. Convenience Store, Online Retail Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Others are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.
- In China, the overall retailing segment has maintained a growth of 3.92% in 2023 as compared to 2022. The growth is anticipated with the consumers' growing inclination for convenience shopping facilities in the market. Aspects such as rising interest in in-person shopping and demand for discount offers, etc., are likely to drive the retailing industry drastically. During the forecast period, it is estimated that the overall retailing unit in China will attain a growth of 4.64% by volume share.
- Under the overall retailing segment, the convenience store segment is considered the largest retailing unit by volume in 2023. Some of the famous stores in China are Easy Joy, Meiyijia, uSmile, and others. By 2026, the convenience store segment in China is estimated to preserve a growth of 3.34% by volume share compared to 2025.
- Supermarkets and hypermarkets are marked as the second-largest units in the Chinese chocolate market. These stores have a tendency to offer a wide range of chocolate products with innovative offers to their customers. It is reported that the sales volume of chocolate products in supermarkets and hypermarkets grew by 4.22% in 2022 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 19.7% during 2026-2028 in China.
- Online retailing or e-commerce retailing is considered the fastest-growing retailing unit in China. The e-commerce business accounted for a CAGR of 5.92% in 2023. The major aspect that is influencing the acceleration of e-commerce websites is associated with the greater convenience offered by these websites, such as home shopping, 24*7 product purchasing options, and others. In addition, the increasing number of internet users is expected to drive this industry significantly.
| Confectionery Variant | |
| Dark Chocolate | |
| Milk and White Chocolate |
| Distribution Channel | |
| Convenience Store | |
| Online Retail Store | |
| Supermarket/Hypermarket | |
| Others |
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Market Definition
- Milk and White Chocolate - Milk chocolates is a solid chocolate made with milk (in the form of either milk powder, liquid milk, or condensed milk) and cocoa solids. White chocolate is made from cocoa butter and milk and contains no cocoa solids whatsoever. The scope includes regular chocolates, low-sugar, and sugar-free variants
- Toffees & Nougats - Toffees include hard, chewy, and small or one-bite candies marketed with labels as toffee or toffee-like confectionery. Nougat is a chewy confection with almond, sugar, and egg white as a basic ingredient; and it originated in Europe and Middle East countries.
- Cereals Bars - A snack composed of breakfast cereal that has been compressed into a bar shape and is held together with a form of edible adhesive. The scope includes snack bars made with cereals such as rice, oats, corn, etc. mixed with a binding syrup. These also include products labeled as cereal bars, cereal treat bars, or grain bars.
- Chewing Gum - This is a preparation for chewing, usually made of flavored and sweetened chicle or such substitutes as polyvinyl acetate. The types of chewing gums included in the scope are sugar-chewing gums and sugar-free chewing gums
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate | Dark chocolate is a form of chocolate containing cocoa solids and cocoa butter without the milk. |
| White Chocolate | White chocolate is the type of chocolate containing the highest percentage of milk solids, typically around or over 30 percent. |
| Milk Chocolate | Milk chocolate is made from dark chocolate that has a low cocoa solid content and higher sugar content, plus a milk product. |
| Hard Candy | A candy made of sugar and corn syrup boiled without crystallizing. |
| Toffees | A hard, chewy, often brown sweet that is made from sugar boiled with butter. |
| Nougats | A chewy or brittle candy containing almonds or other nuts and sometimes fruit. |
| Cereal bar | A cereal bar is a bar-shaped food product, made by pressing cereals and usually dried fruit or berries, which are in most cases held together by glucose syrup. |
| Protein bar | Protein bars are nutrition bars that contain a high proportion of protein to carbohydrates/fats. |
| Fruit & Nut bar | These are often based on dates with other dried fruit and nut additions and, in some cases, flavorings. |
| NCA | The National Confectioners Association is an American trade organization that promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these treats. |
| CGMP | Current good manufacturing practices are those conforming to the guidelines recommended by relevant agencies. |
| Unstandardized foods | Unstandardized foods are those that do not have a standard of identity or that deviate from a prescribed standard in any manner. |
| GI | The glycemic index (GI) is a way of ranking carbohydrate-containing foods based on how slowly or quickly they are digested and increase blood glucose levels over a period of time |
| Skimmed milk powder | Skimmed milk powder is obtained by removing water from pasteurized skim milk by spray-drying. |
| Flavanols | Flavanols are a group of compounds found in cocoa, tea, apples, and many other plant-based foods and beverages. |
| WPC | Whey protein concentrate- the substance obtained by the removal of sufficient nonprotein constituents from pasteurized whey so that the finished dry product contains greater than 25% protein. |
| LDL | Low density Lipoprotein- the bad cholesterol |
| HDL | High density Lipoprotein- the good cholesterol |
| BHT | butylated Hydroxytoluene is a lab-made chemical that is added to foods as a preservative. |
| Carrageenan | Carrageenan is an additive used to thicken, emulsify, and preserve foods and drinks. |
| Free form | Not containing certain ingredients, such as gluten, dairy, or sugar. |
| Cocoa butter | It is a fatty substance obtained from cocoa beans, used in the manufacture of confectionery. |
| Pastellies | A type of of Brazilian candy made from sugar, eggs, and milk. |
| Draggees | Small, round candies that are coated with a hard sugar shell |
| CHOPRABISCO | Royal Belgian Association of the chocolate, pralines, biscuit, and confectionery industry- A trade association that represents the Belgian chocolate industry. |
| European Directive 2000/13 | A European Union directive that regulates the labeling of food products |
| Kakao-Verordnung | The German chocolate ordinance, a set of regulations that define what can be labeled as "chocolate" in Germany. |
| FASFC | Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain |
| Pectin | A natural substance that is derived from fruits and vegetables. It is used in confectionery to create a gel-like texture. |
| Invert sugars | A type of sugar that is made up of glucose and fructose. |
| Emulsifier | A substance that helps to mix to liquids that does not mix together. |
| Anthocyanins | A type of flavonoid that is responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors of confectionery. |
| Functional Foods | Foods that have been modified to provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. |
| Kosher certificate | This certification verifies that the ingredients, production process including all machinery, and/or food-service process complies with the standards of Jewish dietary law |
| Chicory root extract | A natural extract from the chicory root that is a good source of fiber, calcium, phosphorous, and folate |
| RDD | Recommended daily dose |
| Gummies | A chewy gelatin-based candy that is often flavored with fruit. |
| Nutraceuticals | Food or dietary supplements that are claimed to have health benefits. |
| Energy bars | Snack bars that are high in carbohydrates and calories are designed to provide energy on the go. |
| BFSO | Belgian Food Safety Organization for the food chain. |
Need More Details on Market Definition?
Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
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