Japan Chocolate Market Size and Share

Japan Chocolate Market (2025 - 2030)
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Japan Chocolate Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Japan chocolate market was valued at USD 5.73 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 6.49 billion by 2030, registering a 2.52% CAGR during the forecast period. In 2024, cocoa prices tripled, prompting major manufacturers such as Meiji, Morinaga, and Lotte to raise their product prices. Despite these price hikes, companies managed to maintain sales volumes by introducing limited-edition product lines, aligning launches with popular cultural trends, and discontinuing less profitable product ranges. Retail chocolate prices are rising, and this price increase has temporarily reduced demand for high-cacao chocolates, while encouraging the growth of premium and gifting segments. Functional chocolates gained popularity after Japanese studies highlighted the health benefits of high-polyphenol dark chocolate, such as improved cognitive function and gut health. This trend particularly appealed to active seniors and office workers. The market remains moderately consolidated, with key players driving innovation and adapting to changing consumer preferences.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By product type, milk and white chocolate accounted for 72.47% of Japan's chocolate market share in 2024, while dark chocolate is expected to advance at a 3.58% CAGR through 2030.
  • By form, tablets and bars captured a 65.34% share of the Japanese chocolate market size in 2024; pralines and truffles are forecast to expand at a 3.62% CAGR through 2030.
  • By price range, the mass tier dominated with a 75.38% share in 2024, whereas the premium chocolate segment is growing at a 5.94% CAGR between 2025 and 2030.
  • By ingredient type, dairy-based products accounted for 67.28% of Japan's chocolate market size in 2024, and plant-based alternatives are projected to grow at a 4.42% CAGR.
  • By distribution channel, convenience stores secured 38.59% of Japan's chocolate market share in 2024; however, online retail is expected to grow at a 3.87% CAGR through 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Product Type: Dark Chocolate Gains on Health Evidence

Milk and white chocolate are the most preferred types in Japan’s chocolate market, together making up 72.47% of the market share in 2024. Their popularity stems from well-known products like Meiji Milk Chocolate and Morinaga Milk Chocolate, which have become staples in Japanese snacking and gifting culture. These chocolates are easily found in convenience stores, supermarkets, and seasonal gift packs, ensuring they remain accessible to consumers. Their timeless flavors and wide appeal make them a favorite for both casual treats and special occasions, maintaining their strong presence in the market.

Dark chocolate is rapidly gaining popularity as the fastest-growing segment, with an expected CAGR of 3.58% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is driven by increasing consumer interest in healthier options, especially among older individuals who are more conscious of their health benefits. To cater to this demand, manufacturers are launching more high-cacao and functional dark chocolate products, promoting them as both healthy and enjoyable. As more people become aware of the benefits of polyphenols and flavanols in dark chocolate, it is shifting from a niche product to a significant part of Japan’s chocolate market.

Japan Chocolate Market: Market Share by Product Type
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By Form: Pralines and Truffles Capture Gifting Premiums

Tablets and bars remained the leading chocolate formats in Japan’s market in 2024, capturing a 65.34% share of the total market. Their widespread popularity stems from their convenience and availability in single-serve and multi-pack options, which are perfect for quick and easy purchases at convenience stores. These formats are portable and cater to busy lifestyles, making them a go-to choice for consumers. Manufacturers rely on efficient production methods to ensure consistent quality and affordable pricing, which in turn enhances their appeal across various consumer groups.

Pralines and truffles are anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 3.62% through 2030, making them one of the fastest-growing segments in the market. This growth is driven by increasing demand for premium and indulgent chocolate options, particularly for gifting and special occasions. These products stand out due to their unique flavors, artisanal craftsmanship, and elegant packaging, which attract consumers in specialty and department stores. As more people seek high-quality and luxurious chocolate experiences, pralines and truffles are expected to make a significant contribution to the market's value growth in the coming years.

By Price Range: Premium Segment Outpaces Mass Market

In 2024, the mass tier accounted for 75.38% of Japan’s chocolate market, making it the largest segment. This dominance is attributed to the popularity of well-known brands, their affordable prices, and widespread availability in convenience stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies. These chocolates are a popular choice for everyday snacking, due to frequent discounts, seasonal promotions, and consistent stock availability. While premium chocolates are gaining attention, the mass tier continues to lead because it offers affordability and convenience, making it a reliable option for most consumers.

Meanwhile, premium chocolate is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.94% through 2030, becoming the fastest-growing segment of the chocolate market. Consumers are increasingly interested in high-quality options such as artisanal chocolates, single-origin cacao, and elegant gift packaging. This shift is driven by trends like self-gifting and a willingness to pay more for superior products. Boutique chocolatiers, specialty imports, and craft chocolate makers are benefiting from this growing demand. As premium chocolates gain popularity, they are expected to make a significant contribution to the market’s value growth in the years to come.

By Ingredient Type: Plant-Based Alternatives Gain Traction

Dairy-based chocolate accounted for 67.28% of Japan’s market in 2024, supported by the country’s strong milk supply chain and the preference for its creamy and smooth texture. These chocolates are a popular choice for people of all ages and are a staple in daily snacking habits. They are widely available in convenience stores, supermarkets, and seasonal assortments, making them an easy and familiar option for consumers. The consistent quality and traditional flavors of dairy-based chocolate ensure its steady demand and continued market dominance.

Plant-based chocolate is projected to grow at a 4.42% CAGR through 2030, as more Japanese consumers shift towards vegan or flexitarian diets. Companies are focusing on creating alternatives using ingredients like oat, almond, and rice to replicate the creamy texture of milk chocolate. These products appeal to consumers seeking healthier, allergen-free, or environmentally friendly options. With increasing availability in specialty stores and mainstream retail outlets, plant-based chocolate is gradually transitioning from a niche product to a significant driver of market growth in Japan.

Japan Chocolate Market: Market Share by Ingredient Type
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By Distribution Channel: Online Retail Gains as Konbini Dominates

In 2024, convenience stores accounted for 38.59% of Japan’s chocolate market, largely due to their round-the-clock operations and convenient locations near railway stations. These stores are a go-to option for commuters, especially during busy hours, leading to frequent impulse purchases. The wide availability of single-serve chocolate bars, seasonal products, and limited-edition offerings ensures quick sales and high turnover. With consistent customer traffic and strategically placed displays, convenience stores remain a vital channel for everyday chocolate consumption in Japan.

Online channels are expected to grow at a 3.87% CAGR through 2030, making them the fastest-growing distribution method for chocolate. E-commerce platforms offer features such as personalized recommendations, subscription services, and targeted promotions, which enhance the overall shopping experience. For instance, Tirol’s direct-to-consumer website and FamilyMart’s in-app campaigns have successfully boosted customer engagement and sales. As consumers increasingly prefer the convenience of online shopping, particularly for premium or unique chocolate products, digital platforms are poised to play a more significant role in driving market growth in the years to come.

Geography Analysis

Japan’s chocolate market is heavily concentrated in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, which are the country’s key economic hubs. These cities drive demand for premium chocolate imports and gifting, especially through department stores, due to higher disposable incomes and well-established retail networks. Tokyo, in particular, stands out with its extensive network of convenience stores, providing brands with consistent visibility and access to consumers. This setup encourages frequent, impulse-driven purchases, making these cities critical for shaping market trends and driving sales.

Regional preferences significantly influence chocolate consumption patterns across Japan. Hokkaido, known for its high-quality dairy products, sees local brands emphasizing rich milk flavors to differentiate their offerings. In Fukuoka, the demand for omiyage (souvenirs) during peak tourism seasons, particularly from cruise travelers, drives up chocolate sales. Kansai consumers tend to prefer sweeter milk chocolates, while Kanto residents show a stronger inclination toward dark chocolate. Despite these regional differences, manufacturers are increasingly standardizing product assortments nationwide to streamline operations, while still offering limited-edition products to highlight regional flavors and attract local buyers.

Global supply chain strategies are becoming more important for Japanese chocolate manufacturers to remain competitive. Companies like Lotte are aligning their sourcing operations between Japan and Korea to improve efficiency and expand their global reach. Similarly, brands such as Chateraise and Glico have set up production facilities in Southeast Asia to reduce manufacturing costs and comply with local content requirements. These strategies not only help in expanding exports but also ensure competitive pricing in Japan’s domestic market, supporting steady demand and profitability in the chocolate sector.

Competitive Landscape

Japan’s chocolate market is moderately consolidated, with major players such as Meiji, Morinaga, and Lotte. These companies benefit from extensive distribution networks, in-house production capabilities, and significant marketing budgets, making it difficult for new competitors to enter the market. Sustainability has become a key focus for these brands. For instance, Meiji is working toward sourcing 100% sustainable cocoa, Morinaga is pursuing certifications through Cocoa Horizons, and Glico is enhancing its child-labor-free sourcing standards. These efforts underscore the growing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices in differentiating companies in the market.

Instead of focusing solely on increasing sales volumes, companies are now prioritizing profitability and efficiency. Morinaga, for example, has outlined a medium-term plan that emphasizes improving return on invested capital (ROIC) by discontinuing low-performing product lines. Meanwhile, Meiji and Glico are launching premium products, such as chocolates sweetened with functional oligosaccharides (FOS) or made using cold-extraction techniques, to target higher-value segments. Smaller brands like Minimal are also gaining traction by offering artisanal, award-winning chocolates primarily through online channels, appealing to consumers who value unique, high-quality products.

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in giving companies a competitive edge. For instance, Lawson uses predictive analytics to minimize waste at its stores, while FamilyMart is experimenting with AI-driven flavor development to create new products. On a global scale, mergers and acquisitions, such as Mars’ acquisition of Kellanova, could influence strategies and investments in Japan’s chocolate market. Companies like Ezaki Glico are better positioned to handle challenges like fluctuating cocoa prices due to their strong financial stability, which allows them to remain competitive even during periods of cost volatility.

Japan Chocolate Industry Leaders

  1. Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd

  2. Lotte Corporation

  3. Morinaga & Co. Ltd

  4. Nestlé SA

  5. Mars Inc.

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Japan Chocolate Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • June 2025: Meiji, a prominent Japanese confectionery company, introduced two new limited-edition chocolate products to its portfolio. These new offerings, Almond Chocolate Crunch Okinawa Salt and Milk and Macadamia Chocolate Okinawa Salt and Premium Vanilla, highlighted Okinawa salt as a distinctive ingredient.
  • July 2024: Meiji introduced new chocolate products that utilized fructooligosaccharides (FOS) as a substitute for traditional sugar. This innovation reflected the company's commitment to catering to health-conscious consumers seeking lower-sugar alternatives without compromising on taste.
  • August 2023: Kaneka Foods Corporation announced plans to launch the first store of the Belgian chocolate brand Benoit Nihant in Japan. The store, named Benoit Nihant Ginza, was located in Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo.

Table of Contents for Japan Chocolate Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Industry Trend Analysis
    • 4.2.1 Ingredient Analysis
    • 4.2.2 Consumer Behaviour Analysis
    • 4.2.3 Regulatory Framework
    • 4.2.4 Value Chain and Distribution Channel Analysis
  • 4.3 Market Drivers
    • 4.3.1 Rising demand for seasonal and limited-edition products
    • 4.3.2 Growth of convenience snacking among office workers
    • 4.3.3 Preference for health-oriented and functional chocolates
    • 4.3.4 Premiumisation and gifting culture
    • 4.3.5 Influence of anime, pop culture and character branding
    • 4.3.6 Rise of sustainability and ethical-sourcing preferences
  • 4.4 Market Restraints
    • 4.4.1 Consumer shift toward low-sugar and low-calorie lifestyles
    • 4.4.2 Allergies and rising dietary restrictions
    • 4.4.3 Strong competition from healthier snack alternatives
    • 4.4.4 Cocoa price volatility and supply-chain disruptions
  • 4.5 Porter’s Five Forces
    • 4.5.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.5.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.5.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.5.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.5.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE AND VOLUME)

  • 5.1 By Product Type
    • 5.1.1 Dark Chocolate
    • 5.1.2 Milk and White Chocolate
  • 5.2 By Form
    • 5.2.1 Tablets and Bars
    • 5.2.2 Molded Blocks
    • 5.2.3 Pralines and Truffles
    • 5.2.4 Other Forms
  • 5.3 By Price Range
    • 5.3.1 Mass
    • 5.3.2 Premium
  • 5.4 By Ingredient Type
    • 5.4.1 Dairy-Based
    • 5.4.2 Plant-Based
    • 5.4.3 Single Origin
  • 5.5 By Distribution Channel
    • 5.5.1 Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
    • 5.5.2 Online Retail Stores
    • 5.5.3 Convenience Stores
    • 5.5.4 Other Channels

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global-level Overview, Market-level Overview, Core Segments, Financials (if available), Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share, Products and Services, Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd
    • 6.4.2 Lotte Corporation
    • 6.4.3 Morinaga & Co. Ltd
    • 6.4.4 Nestlé SA
    • 6.4.5 Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd
    • 6.4.6 Mars Inc.
    • 6.4.7 Ferrero International SA
    • 6.4.8 Mondelēz International Inc.
    • 6.4.9 The Hershey Company
    • 6.4.10 Lindt & Sprüngli AG
    • 6.4.11 Yıldız Holding
    • 6.4.12 ROYCE' Confect Co. Ltd
    • 6.4.13 Tirol-Choco Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.14 LeTAO
    • 6.4.15 Minimal – Bean to Bar Chocolate
    • 6.4.16 Bourbon Corporation
    • 6.4.17 Le Chocolat de H
    • 6.4.18 Mary Chocolate Co
    • 6.4.19 Nakamura Chocolat
    • 6.4.20 Green Bean to Bar Chocolate

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

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Japan Chocolate Market Report Scope

Dark Chocolate, Milk and White Chocolate are covered as segments by Product Type. Tablets and Bars, Molded Blocks, Pralines and Truffles, and Other Forms are covered as segments by Form. Mass and Premium are covered as segments by Price Range. Dairy-Based, Plant-Based, and Single Origin are covered as segments by Ingredient Type. Convenience Stores, Online Retail Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, and Other Channels are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.

By Product Type
Dark Chocolate
Milk and White Chocolate
By Form
Tablets and Bars
Molded Blocks
Pralines and Truffles
Other Forms
By Price Range
Mass
Premium
By Ingredient Type
Dairy-Based
Plant-Based
Single Origin
By Distribution Channel
Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Online Retail Stores
Convenience Stores
Other Channels
By Product Type Dark Chocolate
Milk and White Chocolate
By Form Tablets and Bars
Molded Blocks
Pralines and Truffles
Other Forms
By Price Range Mass
Premium
By Ingredient Type Dairy-Based
Plant-Based
Single Origin
By Distribution Channel Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Online Retail Stores
Convenience Stores
Other Channels
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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.
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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
research-methodology
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