Higher over the period
South America Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita moved from 0.987 Kilogram in 2015 to 1.23 Kilogram in 2023 (+24.8%), an average of +2.8% a year. The series high was 1.39 Kilogram in 2021 and the low 0.987 Kilogram in 2015.
What South America Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita shows
South America Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita was 1.23 Kilogram in 2023, down 3.9% on 2022. Southern America's cocoa beans consumption per capita reflects a stable regional market, supported by the region's strong cocoa production base, expanding chocolate industry, increasing consumer awareness, and growing demand for cocoa-based food products.
A 28.9% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2021) and low (2015) is 0.401 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was +13.3% in 2017.
Chile leads the region
Within South America, Chile has the highest value in 2023 at 1.82 Kilogram.
Country ranking
Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita by country, 2023
Kilogram. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
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By region
Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita by region
Kilogram, 2023. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
South America Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
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| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1.23 | −3.9% |
| 2022 | 1.28 | −7.7% |
| 2021Peak | 1.39 | +11.7% |
| 2020 | 1.24 | +3.2% |
| 2019 | 1.20 | +2.5% |
| 2018 | 1.18 | +3.9% |
| 2017 | 1.13 | +13.3% |
| 2016 | 0.998 | +1.1% |
| 2015 Trough | 0.987 | — |
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.
Between 2015 and 2023, regional per capita cocoa beans consumption increased from 987 grams to 1,232 grams, demonstrating overall long-term growth despite fluctuations across individual countries.
Regional consumption increased steadily from 987 grams in 2015 to 1,204 grams in 2019, reflecting strengthening domestic demand and expanding availability of cocoa-based products. Consumption continued to rise during the pandemic period, reaching 1,243 grams in 2020 and peaking at 1,388 grams in 2021, supported by resilient household consumption and increased at-home food purchases. Regional consumption moderated to 1,281 grams in 2022 and declined slightly to 1,232 grams in 2023, while remaining significantly above the 2015 level.
Consumption patterns varied across the region's major markets. Chile recorded the highest per capita cocoa beans consumption throughout the study period, increasing from 1,480 grams in 2015 to 1,820 grams in 2023 despite reaching a peak of 2,230 grams in 2022. Brazil, the region's largest economy and a leading cocoa producer, increased consumption from 1,050 grams to 1,290 grams, reflecting sustained domestic demand for chocolate and confectionery products. Argentina also demonstrated steady growth, rising from 1,000 grams in 2015 to 1,230 grams in 2023. Colombia experienced comparatively higher year-to-year volatility, increasing to 1,830 grams in 2018 before declining to 810 grams by 2023.
Overall, Southern America's cocoa beans consumption trends indicate a resilient regional market supported by established cocoa production, evolving consumer preferences, and continued demand for chocolate and cocoa-based products. The region continues to offer growth opportunities for cocoa processors, food manufacturers, and confectionery companies.
- Indicator
- Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita
- Region
- South America
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Agriculture
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is South America 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 America Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita in 2023?
South America Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita was 1.23 Kilogram in 2023, down 3.9% on 2022.
How has South America Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita changed between 2015 and 2023?
South America Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita moved from 0.987 Kilogram in 2015 to 1.23 Kilogram in 2023 (+24.8%), an average of +2.8% a year. The series high was 1.39 Kilogram in 2021 and the low 0.987 Kilogram in 2015.
Which year had the highest and lowest South America Cocoa Beans Consumption per Capita?
The highest value was 1.39 Kilogram in 2021 and the lowest was 0.987 Kilogram in 2015.
What does the South America 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 America 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.
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