Growing global niche market seen for Thai cocoa and chocolate products

Thai cocoa and chocolate products are expected to benefit from a growing but niche global market, particularly for high-value, environmentally friendly and health-focused products.

Nantapong Chiralerspong, director-general of the Commerce Ministry's Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), told the media this week that the global cocoa and chocolate market is projected to grow from more than US$55.8 billion in 2025 to more than US$86.5 billion by 2034.

He said the market is expected to expand at an average annual rate of 4.98% during the period, citing the latest data from Fortune Business Insights, an independent US market research and consulting firm.

Thailand produced more than 3,100 tonnes of raw cocoa beans in 2025, nearly 40% more than a year earlier. Most of the country's cocoa production is concentrated in Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Ranong provinces.

According to the TPSO chief, exports of raw cocoa beans and processed cocoa and chocolate products were worth more than US$131 million last year, up 27.4% from a year earlier. Exports totalled about US$32.5 million in the first quarter of this year.

He said Thai exporters of high-quality, environmentally friendly and health-focused cocoa and chocolate products, including those with geographical indication (GI) status, are expected to enjoy growing opportunities.

Meanwhile, Bordin Charoenpongchai, president of the Thai Trade Association of Cocoa and Chocolate (TACCO), said locally produced craft chocolate, made from carefully selected ingredients, including rice milk and Thai herbs, is expected to gain popularity overseas because of its distinctive flavours.

Promising export markets for Thai cocoa and chocolate products include China, Japan, the United States, Europe and neighbouring countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).