Higher over the period
South Africa Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita moved from 0.420 Kilogram in 2015 to 0.430 Kilogram in 2023 (+2.4%), an average of +0.3% a year. The series high was 0.530 Kilogram in 2021 and the low 0.390 Kilogram in 2019.
What South Africa Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita shows
South Africa Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita was 0.430 Kilogram in 2023, up 2.4% on 2022. South Africa's cocoa beans consumption per capita between 2015 and 2023 reflects a relatively stable consumer market with moderate fluctuations, supported by consistent demand for chocolate products, confectionery consumption, and the expansion of processed food categories. Validated Our World in Data data shows per capita cocoa beans consumption increased slightly from 420 grams in 2015 to 430 grams in 2023.
A 26.4% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2021) and low (2019) is 0.140 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was +23.3% in 2021.
Ranks 38 of 44 countries covered
Among the 44 countries in this dataset, South Africa ranks 38 for 2023, behind Luxembourg (5.42 Kilogram) and Iceland (5.27 Kilogram). The global figure for 2023 is 0.658 Kilogram, so South Africa is below it.
Full series
South Africa 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 | 0.430 | +2.4% |
| 2022 | 0.420 | −20.8% |
| 2021Peak | 0.530 | +23.3% |
| 2020 | 0.430 | +10.3% |
| 2019 Trough | 0.390 | −7.1% |
| 2018 | 0.420 | 0% |
| 2017 | 0.420 | 0% |
| 2016 | 0.420 | 0% |
| 2015 | 0.420 | — |
Regional context
How South Africa compares in Southern Africa (FAO)
Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita by country, 2023, Kilogram. South Africa is highlighted.
1Comoros0.580
2Egypt0.520
3South Africa0.430
4Nigeria0.110
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.
Although growth remained limited, South Africa maintained a steady cocoa consumption pattern due to established retail channels, urban consumer demand, and continued interest in cocoa-based foods and beverages.
During the early period, consumption remained unchanged at 420 grams from 2015 to 2018, indicating stable household demand and consistent availability of chocolate products. In 2019, consumption declined slightly to 390 grams, reflecting changes in consumer purchasing patterns, economic pressures, and market adjustments within the food and beverage sector.
In 2020, consumption recovered to 430 grams, supported by increased household consumption and greater demand for packaged food products during changing lifestyle conditions. The market continued strengthening in 2021, reaching 530 grams, which represented the highest consumption level during the study period. This increase was driven by improving consumer demand, stronger retail activity, and increased consumption of confectionery products.
However, consumption moderated to 420 grams in 2022 before recovering slightly to 430 grams in 2023. These fluctuations indicate a mature market where cocoa consumption remains relatively consistent but is influenced by broader economic conditions, consumer spending patterns, and changes in food preferences.
Overall, South Africa's cocoa consumption market demonstrates stability with potential for gradual growth, supported by a developed retail infrastructure, increasing urbanization, and sustained demand for chocolate and cocoa-based 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 evolving consumer preferences within South Africa's cocoa market.
- Indicator
- Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita
- Country
- South Africa
- Region
- Southern Africa (FAO)
- 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 South Africa 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 South Africa Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita in 2023?
South Africa Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita was 0.430 Kilogram in 2023, up 2.4% on 2022.
How has South Africa Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita changed between 2015 and 2023?
South Africa Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita moved from 0.420 Kilogram in 2015 to 0.430 Kilogram in 2023 (+2.4%), an average of +0.3% a year. The series high was 0.530 Kilogram in 2021 and the low 0.390 Kilogram in 2019.
Which year had the highest and lowest South Africa Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita?
The highest value was 0.530 Kilogram in 2021 and the lowest was 0.390 Kilogram in 2019.
What does the South Africa 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 South Africa 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.