How big is the Japan Chocolate Market?

The Japan Chocolate Market size is expected to reach USD 5.60 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 2.50% to reach USD 6.50 billion by 2030. Read More

What is the current Japan Chocolate Market size?

In 2024, the Japan Chocolate Market size is expected to reach USD 5.60 billion. Read More

Who are the key players in Japan Chocolate Market?

Fujiya Co. Ltd, Lotte Corporation, Meiji Holdings Company Ltd, Nestlé SA and Yıldız Holding AS are the major companies operating in the Japan Chocolate Market. Read More

Which segment has the biggest share in the Japan Chocolate Market?

In the Japan Chocolate Market, the Convenience Store segment accounts for the largest share by distribution channel. Read More

Which is the fastest growing segment in the Japan Chocolate Market?

In 2024, the Online Retail Store segment accounts for the fastest growing by distribution channel in the Japan Chocolate Market. Read More

What years does this Japan Chocolate Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?

In 2023, the Japan Chocolate Market size was estimated at 5.60 billion. The report covers the Japan Chocolate Market historical market size for years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Japan Chocolate Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030. Read More

Japan Chocolate Market Size & Share Analysis - Industry Research Report

Japan Chocolate Market Size

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Icons	Lable	Value
	Study Period	2018 - 2030
	Market Size (2024)	USD 5.60 Billion
	Market Size (2030)	USD 6.50 Billion
	Largest Share by Distribution Channel	Convenience Store
	CAGR (2024 - 2030)	2.50 %
	Fastest Growing by Distribution Channel	Online Retail Store
	Market Concentration	Low
Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in alphabetical order.

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Japan Chocolate Market Analysis

The Japan Chocolate Market size is estimated at 5.60 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 6.50 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.50% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

5.60 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

6.50 Billion

Market Size in 2030 (USD)

1.11 %

CAGR (2018-2023)

2.50 %

CAGR (2024-2030)

Largest Segment by Confectionery Variant

71.54 %

value share, Milk and White Chocolate, 2023

The innovative flavor offerings possible in White chocolate, followed by the preference for varied taste profiles in the region, are anticipated to drive segmental growth.

Largest Segment by Distribution Channel

37.81 %

value share, Convenience Store, 2023

Regulatory measure has encouraged foreign players to focus their investments on larger stores in the region with tailored products, making it a major segment in the region.

Fastest-growing Segment by Confectionery variant

3.02 %

Projected CAGR, Dark Chocolate, 2024-2030

The escalating sales of premium-quality Dark chocolate products in the country and rising consumer expenditure capacities are creating market growth in the region.

Fastest-growing Segment by Distribution Channel

3.11 %

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

5.81 %

market share, Meiji Holdings Company Ltd, 2022

Availability of wide product portfolio with growing number of SKUs tailored accordingly to meet wider consumer needs is making Meiji the largest growing company in the market.

Increasing networking of stores benefits the supermarkets/hypermarkets and convenience stores, making almost 70% of the value share

Convenience stores are the primary sales channel for chocolates in Japan. They provide an ideal platform for chocolate brands to showcase their products. Convenience stores are the preferred choice of consumers for buying a wide range of chocolate, including milk and dark chocolates, made locally or imported from other countries. The sales value of chocolate through convenience stores increased by 1.7% in 2023 compared to 2022.
The growing number of convenience stores is another factor anticipated to offer profitable growth opportunities for the chocolate market. As of 2022, there were over 58,000 convenience stores across Japan, most open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Among these, 7-Eleven had more than 21,000 stores in Japan, making it the largest convenience store chain in Japan. Family Mart stood in second place with 16,500 locations in Japan.
After convenience stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets are Japan's second most widely preferred distribution channels for chocolate purchases. The sales value of chocolates in supermarkets and hypermarkets grew by 4.5% from 2021 to 2023. They offer consumers a convenient experience of diverse shopping under a single roof. They provide consumers a premium advantage, i.e., higher availability of chocolate confectionery products at discounts and easy checkouts.
Online retail channels are expected to grow at the highest rate in the forecast period due to convenience, discounted rates, and one-day delivery options. The sales value of chocolates through online retail channels is expected to register a CAGR of 2.99% from 2023 to 2029.

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Japan Chocolate Market Trends

The influence of Western culture, coupled with the emerging trend of gifting culture among the Japanese population, increases the demand for chocolates

Chocolate consumption in Japan is rising owing to the adoption of various Western celebrations and the holiday season. In 2022, the retail sales value of chocolate in Japan amounted to around USD 4.11 billion, which is a rise of 4.17% from 2021.
In Japan, sustainability is one of the major factors for consumers when purchasing any food products, including chocolates. Between 2017-2022, more than 7,664 chocolate food (98.5%) and drink (1.5%) products were launched in Japan, which included the improvement of their ethical certification credentials, ensuring sustainable cocoa production made with ethical qualities and commitment to people and environment.
Chocolate confectionery in Japan has generally shifted to multi-packs following the pandemic. After 2021, sales of single portions typically used by office workers saw a substantial decline in sales due to a dip in impulse purchasing as people limited their outdoor time, which led to the rising sales of larger packs.
The popularity of high cacao chocolate products in Japan contributed to the growth of the chocolate confectionery industry due to the extensive and prominent promotion of cacao health benefits across various media outlets in Japan.

Japan Chocolate Industry Overview

The Japan Chocolate Market is fragmented, with the top five companies occupying 16.99%. The major players in this market are Fujiya Co. Ltd, Lotte Corporation, Meiji Holdings Company Ltd, Nestlé SA and Yıldız Holding AS (sorted alphabetically).

Japan Chocolate Market Leaders

Fujiya Co. Ltd
Lotte Corporation
Meiji Holdings Company Ltd
Nestlé SA
Yıldız Holding AS

Other important companies include Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG, Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd, Ferrero International SA, Mars Incorporated, Mondelēz International Inc., Morinaga & Co. Ltd, ROYCE' Confect Co. Ltd, The Hershey Company, Yuraku Confectionery Co. Ltd.

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in alphabetical order.

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Japan Chocolate Market News

August 2023: Lotte Corporation partnered with DLT Labs to promote sustainability and ethical practices in the cacao bean supply chain. Lotte is commencing its pilot project on the traceability of cacao beans from Ghana and child labor monitoring using blockchain technology.
November 2022: Godiva launched its Limited Edition Holiday Gold Collection with a new festive design.
June 2022: Kinder Joy, the confectionery brand of Ferrero, announced its portfolio expansion in India with the launch of Kinder Joy ‘Natoons' emphasizing on the purpose of ‘Learning about Animals’ for kids. Kinder Joy has partnered with Discovery Channel to showcase toy figures of animals such as Moorish Idols, Whales, Killer Whales, Tortoises, Macaw Yellow, Macaw Blue, Toucans, Turtle, Porcupines, Armadillo, Seal, and Basilisk.

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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.

Japan Chocolate Market Report - Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS
REPORT OFFERS
1. INTRODUCTION
1. 1.1. Study Assumptions & Market Definition
2. 1.2. Scope of the Study
3. 1.3. Research Methodology
2. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
1. 2.1. Regulatory Framework
2. 2.2. Consumer Buying Behavior
3. 2.3. Ingredient Analysis
4. 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)
1. 3.1. Confectionery Variant
  1. 3.1.1. Dark Chocolate
  2. 3.1.2. Milk and White Chocolate
2. 3.2. Distribution Channel
  1. 3.2.1. Convenience Store
  2. 3.2.2. Online Retail Store
  3. 3.2.3. Supermarket/Hypermarket
  4. 3.2.4. Others
4. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
1. 4.1. Key Strategic Moves
2. 4.2. Market Share Analysis
3. 4.3. Company Landscape
4. 4.4. Company Profiles
  1. 4.4.1. Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
  2. 4.4.2. Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd
  3. 4.4.3. Ferrero International SA
  4. 4.4.4. Fujiya Co. Ltd
  5. 4.4.5. Lotte Corporation
  6. 4.4.6. Mars Incorporated
  7. 4.4.7. Meiji Holdings Company Ltd
  8. 4.4.8. Mondelēz International Inc.
  9. 4.4.9. Morinaga & Co. Ltd
  10. 4.4.10. Nestlé SA
  11. 4.4.11. ROYCE' Confect Co. Ltd
  12. 4.4.12. The Hershey Company
  13. 4.4.13. Yuraku Confectionery Co. Ltd
  14. 4.4.14. Yıldız Holding AS
5. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR CONFECTIONERY CEOS
6. APPENDIX
1. 6.1. Global Overview
  1. 6.1.1. Overview
  2. 6.1.2. Porter’s Five Forces Framework
  3. 6.1.3. Global Value Chain Analysis
  4. 6.1.4. Market Dynamics (DROs)
2. 6.2. Sources & References
3. 6.3. List of Tables & Figures
4. 6.4. Primary Insights
5. 6.5. Data Pack
6. 6.6. Glossary of Terms

List of Tables & Figures

Figure 1:
VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET, METRIC TONNES, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 2:
VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET, USD, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 3:
VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, METRIC TONNES, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 4:
VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, USD, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 5:
VOLUME SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, %, JAPAN, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030

Figure 6:
VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, %, JAPAN, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030

Figure 7:
VOLUME OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET, METRIC TONNES, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 8:
VALUE OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET, USD, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 9:
VALUE SHARE OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, JAPAN, 2023 VS 2030

Figure 10:
VOLUME OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET, METRIC TONNES, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 11:
VALUE OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET, USD, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 12:
VALUE SHARE OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, JAPAN, 2023 VS 2030

Figure 13:
VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, METRIC TONNES, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 14:
VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, USD, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 15:
VOLUME SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, JAPAN, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030

Figure 16:
VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, JAPAN, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030

Figure 17:
VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE, METRIC TONNES, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 18:
VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE, USD, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 19:
VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, JAPAN, 2023 VS 2030

Figure 20:
VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE, METRIC TONNES, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 21:
VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE, USD, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 22:
VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, JAPAN, 2023 VS 2030

Figure 23:
VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET, METRIC TONNES, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 24:
VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET, USD, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 25:
VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, JAPAN, 2023 VS 2030

Figure 26:
VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS, METRIC TONNES, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 27:
VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS, USD, JAPAN, 2018 - 2030

Figure 28:
VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, JAPAN, 2023 VS 2030

Figure 29:
MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES BY NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES, COUNT, JAPAN, 2018 - 2023

Figure 30:
MOST ADOPTED STRATEGIES, COUNT, JAPAN, 2018 - 2023

Figure 31:
VALUE SHARE OF MAJOR PLAYERS, %, JAPAN, 2022

Japan 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.

Convenience stores are the primary sales channel for chocolates in Japan. They provide an ideal platform for chocolate brands to showcase their products. Convenience stores are the preferred choice of consumers for buying a wide range of chocolate, including milk and dark chocolates, made locally or imported from other countries. The sales value of chocolate through convenience stores increased by 1.7% in 2023 compared to 2022.
The growing number of convenience stores is another factor anticipated to offer profitable growth opportunities for the chocolate market. As of 2022, there were over 58,000 convenience stores across Japan, most open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Among these, 7-Eleven had more than 21,000 stores in Japan, making it the largest convenience store chain in Japan. Family Mart stood in second place with 16,500 locations in Japan.
After convenience stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets are Japan's second most widely preferred distribution channels for chocolate purchases. The sales value of chocolates in supermarkets and hypermarkets grew by 4.5% from 2021 to 2023. They offer consumers a convenient experience of diverse shopping under a single roof. They provide consumers a premium advantage, i.e., higher availability of chocolate confectionery products at discounts and easy checkouts.
Online retail channels are expected to grow at the highest rate in the forecast period due to convenience, discounted rates, and one-day delivery options. The sales value of chocolates through online retail channels is expected to register a CAGR of 2.99% from 2023 to 2029.

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.

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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