Poland’s export of chocolate confectionary

Between 2020 and 2023, global confectionery exports increased by 41 percent. In 2023, their value amounted to USD 122.7 billion, and forecasts predict an increase to over USD 189 billion in 2029. Last year, Poland ranked 5^th in the world among the largest exporters of this industry with a share of 6.2 per cent.

Poland’s export of chocolate confectionary is growing in strength

Poland is dynamically developing its position in the global export of chocolate confectionary, being among the largest exporters in Europe.

Exports of chocolate and chocolate products from European Union countries in 2023 amounted to 867 thousand tonnes, of which Poland accounts for over 13 per cent. In 2023, our country exported 115 thousand tonnes of chocolate and chocolate products worth USD 5.441 billion. Currently, we are third in the European Union in terms of export volume. We are behind Germany (221 thousand tonnes) and the Netherlands (123 thousand tonnes), ahead of such powers as France and Italy.

Export of chocolate and chocolate products in 2023 and January-September 2024

In 2023, the largest recipients of Polish chocolate and chocolate confectionary were:

• Germany ($651.8 million);
• United Kingdom ($359.3 million);
• France ($171.8 million);
• Belgium ($146.4 million);
• Netherlands (144 mln USD);
• USA (127,6 mln USD);
• Czech Republic (USD 100.1 million).

In January-September 2024, the largest recipients of Polish chocolate and chocolate confectionary were:

• Germany ($551.6 million);
• United Kingdom ($331.7 million);
• France ($171.6 million);
• Belgium (143.2);
• Netherlands (122.2 mln USD);
• USA (95,2 mln USD);
• Czech Republic (USD 96.6 million).

Austria is the country to which the export of Polish chocolate and chocolate products has recently recorded the largest percentage increase. In 2023, its value was $29.2 million, and in the first nine months of 2024, it has already increased to $33.3 million.

Export challenges

Although Polish exports of chocolate products are growing, the industry has to cope with challenges, the most important of which are:

• Commodity price volatility: Cocoa, a key ingredient in confectionery, has seen its prices triple over the past year. In November 2024, the price of a ton of cocoa fluctuated around $6489.
• new EU regulations: The EUDR ( legislation to reduce forest degradation) requires close monitoring of the origin of raw materials, which entails additional costs for producers. Meeting environmental requirements will be particularly important for companies exporting to countries where sustainability is a priority.

Polish chocolate conquers the world – export success and global trends

The export of Polish chocolate is part of the global trend of increasing the value of the chocolate confectionery market. Chocolate or chocolate-based products are the most popular choice among confectionery consumers worldwide. Polish production, although saturated, gains in innovation and quality of products that obtains global recognition.

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Poland’s export success is due to tradition, quality and a flexible approach to consumers. On foreign markets, products from our country meet local taste preferences, such as chocolate with exotic fillings or a line of vegan confectionary. In 2023, Poland exported chocolate to more than 50 countries around the world. Thanks to dynamic expansion and openness to changing trends and environmental requirements the Polish chocolate industry has a chance to continue its growth and consistently increase its share in the global market.

Sources:

• Wedel Report „Światowy i polski rynek słodyczy czekoladowych”, 10.2024
• Central Statistical Office (GUS)
• Eurostat