High Chocolate demand; Kerala leads second in cocoa exports

Kochi: White, dark, and sugar-free chocolates are high in demand in the market today. However, the country is making strides in exporting cocoa, the staple of this chocolate. Last financial year, 36,242.03 tonnes of cocoa products were exported from the country, generating a total revenue of Rs 1521.94 crores. This is an increase from the previous year's export of 34,250.10 tonnes.

Cocoa nuts, powder, shell, butter, etc., are leading in exports. These products are bought by large groups, made into chocolate and other items, and delivered to the Indian market. This year, a global shortage of cocoa led to an increase in the price of cocoa and chocolate, affecting prices in Indian markets as well.

The US is the main consumer of Indian cocoa products, importing cocoa worth Rs 258.34 crore last financial year, amounting to 8,636.01 tonnes. Indonesia follows in second place with imports worth Rs 100.45 crore, followed by Nepal (Rs 93.11 crore), Brazil (Rs 82.46 crore), and the UAE (Rs 67.19 crore).

India ranks 36th in the export of cocoa products but stands 23rd in the world in terms of imports. In the last financial year, 1.26 lakh tonnes of cocoa products were imported, worth Rs 4,247.25 crore. In the financial year 2022-23, the import was 1.28 lakh tonnes, worth Rs 3530.76 crore. Although imports fell marginally in 2023-24, the value rose.

Rise in production

As demand for chocolate increased, so did cocoa production. Andhra Pradesh is leading in production with around 12,150 tonnes, contributing 40.3 percent of the country's gross domestic product. Kerala is second with a 36 percent contribution, producing around 10,600 tonnes. Additionally, cocoa production has increased in the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu compared to previous years. The Directorate of Cashewnut and Cocoa Development is implementing various activities to promote cocoa cultivation in Kerala.