Study Period | 2018 - 2030 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
Market Size (2025) | USD 3.81 Billion |
Market Size (2030) | USD 4.76 Billion |
CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 4.57 % |
Market Concentration | High |
Major Players![]() *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
China Chocolate Market Analysis
The China Chocolate Market size is estimated at 3.81 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 4.76 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.57% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The Chinese chocolate market is experiencing significant transformation driven by evolving consumer preferences and digital adoption. With internet penetration reaching 1.07 billion users in 2022, digital platforms have become crucial for chocolate brands to engage with consumers and drive sales. The rise of e-commerce has revolutionized chocolate retail, offering consumers unprecedented access to both domestic and international chocolate products. Major chocolate manufacturers are leveraging platforms like Tmall, JD, and Taobao to expand their market presence and offer personalized shopping experiences. This digital transformation has also enabled brands to gather valuable consumer insights and adapt their strategies accordingly.
Health consciousness is increasingly influencing chocolate consumption patterns in China, with a notable shift toward premium chocolate and healthier options. Recent data from 2023 indicates that over 50% of Chinese adults and approximately 20% of school-age children are overweight, driving demand for healthier chocolate alternatives. This health awareness has particularly benefited the dark chocolate segment, with approximately 33% of chocolate consumers in China now preferring dark chocolate over traditional options. Manufacturers are responding by introducing products with higher cocoa content, reduced sugar formulations, and functional ingredients to appeal to health-conscious consumers.
The retail landscape for chocolate in China is undergoing significant evolution, characterized by the expansion of premium chocolate retail channels and innovative shopping experiences. In 2023, specialty chocolate stores have gained prominence, with retailers like Awfully and Green & Safe expanding their presence across major cities. The average selling price of dark chocolate in retail stores reached USD 5.64 in 2023, reflecting the premiumization trend in the market. Retailers are increasingly focusing on creating immersive shopping experiences, with some stores incorporating chocolate cafes and tasting sessions to enhance consumer engagement.
International brands continue to dominate the Chinese chocolate market, leveraging their reputation for quality and innovation. In 2022, China's chocolate confectionery imports reached USD 575.5 million, demonstrating strong consumer preference for international chocolate brands. Major global manufacturers are introducing innovative products specifically tailored to Chinese consumer preferences, including unique flavors and packaging designs. The gifting segment has emerged as a particularly important market driver, with premium chocolate becoming increasingly popular for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and festivals. Manufacturers are responding with luxury packaging options and limited-edition collections to capitalize on this trend.
China Chocolate Market Trends
Effective marketing and branding campaigns, along with popularity of dark chocolate among consumers, impact the positive growth in the country
- The Chinese chocolate market, as with other Asian chocolate markets, is heavily influenced by special occasion purchases. In China, the special occasions for explosive chocolate consumption are the Chinese New Year, Qixi, Valentine's Day, or weddings.
- Packaging and nutritional content claims are the major product attributes that remain the first impression of chocolates, which determines the likelihood of purchasing chocolate confectionery in the country.
- Price is a crucial factor that influences consumer buying behavior on chocolate confectionery products in China. In 2022, 67% of consumers consider price as one of the most important factors when making a purchase decision.
- Dark chocolate remains the most preferred healthy chocolate variety in China, acquiring 61% of volume consumption in 2023. Consumer shift toward healthy snacking with the influence of rising obesity prevalence is boosting the purchase of dark chocolates in China.
Segment Analysis: Confectionery Variant
Dark Chocolate Segment in China Chocolate Market
Dark chocolate dominates China's chocolate market, commanding approximately 58% market share in 2024. This dominance is driven by increasing consumer awareness of its health benefits and premium positioning. The segment's growth is primarily attributed to the rising inclination toward healthy indulgence and the strong presence of international brands like Mars, Ferrero, Cadbury, Hershey's, and Nestle, which have built loyal consumer bases. Chinese dietary guidelines recommending limited intake of added sugar have influenced consumers to shift toward dark chocolate as a healthier alternative. Additionally, dark chocolate has emerged as a preferred premium gifting option for occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and other life events. The segment is experiencing robust growth and is projected to grow at nearly 5% annually from 2024 to 2029, supported by increasing health consciousness among Chinese consumers and the rising trend of premium chocolate consumption.

Milk and White Chocolate Segment in China Chocolate Market
The milk and white chocolate segment represents a significant portion of China's chocolate market, characterized by diverse product offerings and strong brand presence. International labels are widely accepted as indicators of quality in China, presenting a lucrative market for imported chocolates, particularly those from Europe. The segment's growth is driven by the increasing demand for international brands among the Chinese population and rising consumption of imported chocolates. Online channels have emerged as an essential component of the retail landscape, allowing consumers to select from a broader range of product offerings marketed under private labels and mainstream brands. The segment's development is further supported by innovative marketing strategies, creative packaging solutions, and the growing trend of chocolate gifting in Chinese culture.
Segment Analysis: Distribution Channel
Supermarket/Hypermarket Segment in China Chocolate Market
Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the China chocolate market, commanding approximately 42% of the market share in 2024. These retail formats have emerged as the preferred choice for retail chocolate purchases due to their extensive product assortment and competitive pricing strategies. The segment's prominence is driven by the ability of these stores to accommodate a wide variety of chocolate products from different brands, with average selling prices ranging from USD 5 to USD 50. These retail formats are particularly successful due to their ability to offer both premium and mass-market chocolate products, catering to diverse consumer preferences. The growth in this segment is further supported by consumers' increasing preference for one-stop shopping experiences and the expanding shelf space dedicated to innovative chocolate products.
Online Retail Store Segment in China Chocolate Market
The online retail segment is experiencing remarkable growth in China's chocolate market, projected to grow at approximately 5% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by the widespread penetration of e-commerce platforms and increasing smartphone adoption among Chinese consumers. Major chocolate brands are leveraging popular e-commerce platforms like Tmall, JD, and Taobao to expand their market reach. The segment's growth is further accelerated by the convenience of home delivery services, extensive product selection, and competitive pricing strategies offered by online retailers. The digital transformation of retail, coupled with the rising preference for contactless shopping experiences, particularly among millennials and working professionals, continues to fuel the expansion of online chocolate sales in China.
Remaining Segments in Distribution Channel
The convenience store and other distribution channels continue to play vital roles in China's chocolate market. Convenience stores offer accessibility and quick purchase options, particularly benefiting from their strategic locations and extended operating hours. The segment is supported by the Chinese government's initiatives to expand the convenience store network across the country. The 'others' category, which includes specialty stores, warehouse clubs, drug stores, and vending machines, serves specific consumer needs through specialized offerings and unique shopping experiences. These channels are particularly important in tier-2 and tier-3 cities where modern retail infrastructure is still developing.
China Chocolate Industry Overview
Top Companies in China Chocolate Market
The China chocolate market is characterized by intense competition and strategic initiatives from major players to strengthen their market positions. Companies are heavily focused on product innovation, introducing new chocolate products, healthier variants like dark chocolate, and premium offerings to cater to evolving consumer preferences. Operational agility is demonstrated through enhanced distribution networks, particularly in expanding online retail presence and partnerships with e-commerce platforms. Strategic moves include significant investments in research and development facilities, sustainable sourcing practices, and cocoa supply chain optimization. Market expansion strategies emphasize establishing chocolate manufacturing facilities within China, developing region-specific products, and strengthening retail presence through both traditional and modern trade channels.
Global Giants Dominate Chinese Chocolate Market
The Chinese chocolate market structure is predominantly controlled by multinational corporations with established global presence and strong brand recognition. These international players, including confectionery specialists and diversified food conglomerates, leverage their extensive research capabilities, advanced manufacturing processes, and robust distribution networks to maintain market leadership. The market demonstrates high consolidation with the top players collectively holding a significant market share, while regional and local players operate in specific niches or geographical areas.
The competitive landscape shows limited merger and acquisition activity, with companies primarily focusing on organic growth strategies and strategic partnerships. International players are increasingly establishing local chocolate manufacturing facilities and research centers to better serve the Chinese market, while domestic companies are working on building premium brands and improving product quality to compete with global players. The market entry barriers remain high due to established brand loyalty, complex distribution requirements, and the need for significant marketing investments.
Innovation and Distribution Drive Market Success
Success in the Chinese chocolate market increasingly depends on companies' ability to innovate across product development, packaging, and marketing strategies. Incumbents need to focus on premiumization, health-conscious offerings, and customization for local tastes while maintaining strong distribution networks across both traditional and modern retail channels. Companies must also invest in sustainable practices and transparent supply chains to meet growing consumer awareness and regulatory requirements. Digital presence and e-commerce capabilities are becoming crucial for market success, along with the ability to create engaging consumer experiences through retail concepts and brand storytelling.
For contenders looking to gain market share, differentiation through unique chocolate products offerings, focus on specific consumer segments, and strategic partnerships with local retailers and distributors are essential. The market shows moderate end-user concentration with growing importance of younger urban consumers and gifting occasions. While substitution risk exists from other confectionery products, chocolate maintains its premium positioning and cultural significance in gifting. The regulatory environment is becoming more stringent regarding food safety and labeling requirements, making compliance capabilities a critical success factor. Companies must also address increasing consumer demand for healthier options and sustainable practices to maintain competitive advantage.
China Chocolate Market Leaders
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Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
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Ferrero International SA
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Mars Incorporated
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Nestlé SA
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Yıldız Holding AS
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
China Chocolate Market News
- February 2023: The Hershey Company launched limited-edition chocolate bars to honor the celebration of International Women’s Day.
- November 2022: Godiva launched its Limited Edition Holiday Gold Collection with a new festive design.
- August 2022: Nestlé expanded its business by launching new chocolate products in China. The products were launched at the first China International Consumer Products Expo, demonstrating the company’s continued commitment to the local market.
Free With This Report
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.
China Chocolate Market Report - Table of Contents
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS
2. REPORT OFFERS
3. INTRODUCTION
- 3.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
- 3.2 Scope of the Study
- 3.3 Research Methodology
4. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
- 4.1 Regulatory Framework
- 4.2 Consumer Buying Behavior
- 4.3 Ingredient Analysis
- 4.4 Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)
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5.1 Confectionery Variant
- 5.1.1 Dark Chocolate
- 5.1.2 Milk and White Chocolate
-
5.2 Distribution Channel
- 5.2.1 Convenience Store
- 5.2.2 Online Retail Store
- 5.2.3 Supermarket/Hypermarket
- 5.2.4 Others
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Key Strategic Moves
- 6.2 Market Share Analysis
- 6.3 Company Landscape
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6.4 Company Profiles
- 6.4.1 Cargill Incorporated
- 6.4.2 Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
- 6.4.3 Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd
- 6.4.4 Ferrero International SA
- 6.4.5 Kindy Foods Company Limited
- 6.4.6 Mars Incorporated
- 6.4.7 Meiji Holdings Company Ltd
- 6.4.8 Mondelēz International Inc.
- 6.4.9 Nestlé SA
- 6.4.10 ROYCE' Confect Co. Ltd
- 6.4.11 The Hershey Company
- 6.4.12 Yıldız Holding AS
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR CONFECTIONERY CEOS
8. APPENDIX
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8.1 Global Overview
- 8.1.1 Overview
- 8.1.2 Porter’s Five Forces Framework
- 8.1.3 Global Value Chain Analysis
- 8.1.4 Market Dynamics (DROs)
- 8.2 Sources & References
- 8.3 List of Tables & Figures
- 8.4 Primary Insights
- 8.5 Data Pack
- 8.6 Glossary of Terms
List of Tables & Figures
- Figure 1:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 2:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 3:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 4:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 5:
- VOLUME SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, %, CHINA, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 6:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANT, %, CHINA, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 7:
- VOLUME OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 8:
- VALUE OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 9:
- VALUE SHARE OF DARK CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, CHINA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 10:
- VOLUME OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 11:
- VALUE OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 12:
- VALUE SHARE OF MILK AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, CHINA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 13:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 14:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 15:
- VOLUME SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, CHINA, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 16:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL, %, CHINA, 2018 VS 2024 VS 2030
- Figure 17:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 18:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 19:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA CONVENIENCE STORE BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, CHINA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 20:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 21:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 22:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA ONLINE RETAIL STORE BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, CHINA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 23:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 24:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 25:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA SUPERMARKET/HYPERMARKET BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, CHINA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 26:
- VOLUME OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS, METRIC TONNES, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 27:
- VALUE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS, USD, CHINA, 2018 - 2030
- Figure 28:
- VALUE SHARE OF CHOCOLATE MARKET SOLD VIA OTHERS BY CONFECTIONERY VARIANTS, %, CHINA, 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 29:
- MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES BY NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES, COUNT, CHINA, 2018 - 2023
- Figure 30:
- MOST ADOPTED STRATEGIES, COUNT, CHINA, 2018 - 2023
- Figure 31:
- VALUE SHARE OF MAJOR PLAYERS, %, CHINA
China 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.Confectionery Variant | Dark Chocolate |
Milk and White Chocolate | |
Distribution Channel | Convenience Store |
Online Retail Store | |
Supermarket/Hypermarket | |
Others |
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. |
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