Value of Peruvian Cocoa Exports Doubled in First Quarter
Value of Peruvian Cocoa Exports Doubled in First Quarter
Coffee Network (Bogota)- Peruvian cocoa exports reached 15,652 tons during the first quarter, generating an FOB value of USD 159.47 million. Although the export volume was similar to that of 2024, the FOB value doubled, driven by the increase in the average price, which rose from USD 4,628/ton in 2024 to USD 10,188/ton in 2025, the Peruvian coffee and cocoa chamber said.
In March 2025, the export volume was 3,167 tons, a decrease compared to March 2024 (3,873 tons), reflecting the impact of the lower supply available in the global market. The FOB Peru price was USD 10,188/ton, while the New York Stock Exchange recorded an average price of USD 8,145.83/ton.
The main destinations for Peruvian cocoa in the first quarter of 2025 were Mexico (3,025 tons), the United States (2,762 tons), the Netherlands (1,723 tons), Italy (1,667 tons), and Malaysia (1,445 tons). These five destinations accounted for 68% of the total exported volume.
Analysis of cocoa market
Amid a global cocoa supply crisis, the international market is showing a significant decline in demand due to high prices, according to the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), which estimates a 4.8% drop for the 2024-2025 season.
The situation is compounded by a 47% reduction in the combined harvest in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, the world's leading producers, affected by extreme temperatures, droughts, and torrential rains. Furthermore, Côte d'Ivoire, the world's leading producer, has announced that it will limit its cocoa sales for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign to 1.3 million tons, compared to the usual 1.7 million tons. This decision is in response to a structural decline in production, affected by aging plantations, the spread of diseases such as swollen shoot (a viral disease that swells shoots and reduces cocoa production), and irregular weather conditions, thus consolidating a scenario of restricted supply for the coming years. In this challenging context, Peru presents an opportunity for strengthening, especially in derivatives such as cocoa butter and paste. Sector specialists highlight the country's ability to consolidate its international reputation through the quality of its products and market diversification.
Cocoa Bean Export Performance
In January-March 2025, cocoa by-product exports reached 13,223 tons, generating a FOB value of USD 159.59 million. Cocoa butter was the highest-value product, consolidating its position as the most competitive Peruvian derivative.
Other important derivatives included:
• Cocoa butter: 4,486 tons, generating USD 98.30 million FOB.
• Cocoa powder: 2,828 tons, generating USD 19.07 million FOB.
• Cake: 3,098 tons, with a value of USD 26.75 million FOB.
• Chocolate: 906 tons, contributing USD 10.47 million FOB.
• Cocoa nibs: 279 tons, with a value of USD 4.36 million FOB.
Chocolate Imports in Peru 2025 (Jan-Mar)
During January-March 2025, chocolate imports in Peru reached 2,197 tons, with a CIF value of USD 15.94 million. This product represented 43% of the total volume of imported cocoa by-products, followed by cocoa nibs (30%), cocoa powder (16%), cocoa butter (7%), and cocoa cake (5%).
The main countries of origin for imported chocolate were the United States (367 tons), Chile (312 tons), Colombia (301 tons), Malaysia (237 tons), and Turkey (227 tons).
By Diana Delgado



