Lower over the period
Italy Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita moved from 1.44 Kilogram in 2015 to 1.20 Kilogram in 2023 (−16.7%), an average of −2.3% a year. The series high was 1.47 Kilogram in 2017 and the low 1.14 Kilogram in 2022.
What Italy Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita shows
Italy Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita was 1.20 Kilogram in 2023, up 5.3% on 2022. Italy's cocoa beans consumption per capita between 2015 and 2023 reflects a mature but fluctuating consumer market, supported by strong chocolate traditions, premium confectionery demand, and a well-established food culture. Validated Our World in Data data shows per capita cocoa beans consumption decreased from 1.44 kg in 2015 to 1.20 kg in 2023.
A 22.4% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2017) and low (2022) is 0.330 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was −20.3% in 2022.
Ranks 26 of 44 countries covered
Among the 44 countries in this dataset, Italy ranks 26 for 2023, behind Luxembourg (5.42 Kilogram) and Iceland (5.27 Kilogram). The global figure for 2023 is 0.658 Kilogram, so Italy is above it.
Full series
Italy Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1.20 | +5.3% |
| 2022 Trough | 1.14 | −20.3% |
| 2021 | 1.43 | +7.5% |
| 2020 | 1.33 | +9% |
| 2019 | 1.22 | −17% |
| 2018 | 1.47 | 0% |
| 2017Peak | 1.47 | +0.7% |
| 2016 | 1.46 | +1.4% |
| 2015 | 1.44 | — |
Regional context
How Italy compares in Europe
Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita by country, 2023, Kilogram. Italy is highlighted.
1Luxembourg5.42
2Iceland5.27
3Montenegro4.41
4France4.04
5UK3.94
6malta3.63
7Slovenia3.52
16Italy1.20
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita — Cocoa beans consumption per capita refers to the average amount of cocoa beans available for consumption per person in a country, measured in grams per person per year. The indicator represents the per capita availability of cocoa beans based on food supply data, reflecting the estimated quantity of cocoa beans available for human consumption after accounting for production, imports, exports, and other supply adjustments. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-by-country time series, with values reported annually for the selected period.
The data includes the estimated per capita availability of cocoa beans for human consumption, calculated from national food supply balances. It covers cocoa beans as a food commodity and reflects factors such as domestic production, imports, exports, stock changes, and other supply-side adjustments used to estimate food availability. The dataset is compiled from food balance statistics based on sources such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, with values standardized on a per-person basis for cross-country comparison.
The data excludes actual individual consumption patterns, household-level consumption surveys, and differences in consumption behavior among population groups. It does not measure the consumption of processed chocolate products, cocoa powder, cocoa butter, or other cocoa-derived products separately. The indicator also excludes non-food uses of cocoa beans, food waste at the retail or household level, and informal or unrecorded consumption activities. Values represent food availability estimates rather than direct measurements of cocoa beans physically consumed by individuals.
About this indicator
Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita — Cocoa beans consumption per capita refers to the average amount of cocoa beans available for consumption per person in a country, measured in grams per person per year. The indicator represents the per capita availability of cocoa beans based on food supply data, reflecting the estimated quantity of cocoa beans available for human consumption after accounting for production, imports, exports, and other supply adjustments. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-by-country time series, with values reported annually for the selected period.
Despite this overall decline, cocoa remains an important ingredient in Italy's confectionery, bakery, and dessert sectors, supported by consumer preference for quality chocolate products and traditional cocoa-based foods.
During the early period, consumption remained relatively stable, increasing slightly from 1.44 kg in 2015 to 1.47 kg in 2018. This consistency reflected steady household demand, strong retail availability, and continued interest in chocolate products, including premium and artisanal offerings. However, consumption declined to 1.22 kg in 2019, indicating changing consumer patterns and possible moderation in cocoa-based product consumption.
A gradual recovery followed in 2020 and 2021, with consumption increasing from 1.33 kg to 1.43 kg, supported by increased household food consumption, greater demand for comfort foods, and continued retail purchases during changing consumer routines. However, consumption declined again to 1.14 kg in 2022, representing the lowest level during the study period, influenced by inflationary pressures, rising food costs, and shifts in household spending priorities.
In 2023, consumption recovered slightly to 1.20 kg, indicating market stabilization but remaining below earlier levels. Overall, Italy's cocoa consumption market demonstrates resilience despite periodic fluctuations, supported by strong culinary traditions, premium chocolate demand, and consumer appreciation for quality confectionery products. The dataset provides valuable insights for chocolate manufacturers, cocoa suppliers, retailers, and investors to analyze consumption trends, benchmark market performance, forecast demand, and understand changing consumer preferences within Italy's cocoa market.
- Indicator
- Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita
- Country
- Italy
- Region
- Europe
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Agriculture
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
Cite this dataset
Using this data in a report, paper or presentation? Copy a formatted citation.
Copied
Frequently asked questions
What is Italy Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita?
Cocoa beans consumption per capita refers to the average amount of cocoa beans available for consumption per person in a country, measured in grams per person per year. The indicator represents the per capita availability of cocoa beans based on food supply data, reflecting the estimated quantity of cocoa beans available for human consumption after accounting for production, imports, exports, and other supply adjustments. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-by-country time series, with values reported annually for the selected period.
What was Italy Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita in 2023?
Italy Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita was 1.20 Kilogram in 2023, up 5.3% on 2022.
How has Italy Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita changed between 2015 and 2023?
Italy Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita moved from 1.44 Kilogram in 2015 to 1.20 Kilogram in 2023 (−16.7%), an average of −2.3% a year. The series high was 1.47 Kilogram in 2017 and the low 1.14 Kilogram in 2022.
Which year had the highest and lowest Italy Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita?
The highest value was 1.47 Kilogram in 2017 and the lowest was 1.14 Kilogram in 2022.
What does the Italy Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes the estimated per capita availability of cocoa beans for human consumption, calculated from national food supply balances. It covers cocoa beans as a food commodity and reflects factors such as domestic production, imports, exports, stock changes, and other supply-side adjustments used to estimate food availability. The dataset is compiled from food balance statistics based on sources such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, with values standardized on a per-person basis for cross-country comparison. Excluded: The data excludes actual individual consumption patterns, household-level consumption surveys, and differences in consumption behavior among population groups. It does not measure the consumption of processed chocolate products, cocoa powder, cocoa butter, or other cocoa-derived products separately. The indicator also excludes non-food uses of cocoa beans, food waste at the retail or household level, and informal or unrecorded consumption activities. Values represent food availability estimates rather than direct measurements of cocoa beans physically consumed by individuals.
Where does the Italy Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..latest&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&tableSearch=singa&Food=Cocoa+beans&Metric=Food+available+for+consumption&Per+capita=true). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Kilogram.
Need more data?
Get in touch with our research team
Need a longer historical series, a custom country set, additional dimensions, or a tailored dataset? Send us your requirement.