The cocoa butter equivalent market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.27%, attaining US$2,004.872 million by 2030, from US$1,479.363 million in 2025.
Cocoa butter equivalent (CBE) is a type of vegetable fat that mimics the triglyceride and fatty acid composition of cocoa butter, providing similar physical and chemical properties. The market for CBE is experiencing growth primarily due to the increasing incidence of skin reactions and allergies associated with cocoa. Cocoa can also cause digestive issues such as nausea, stomach discomfort, and constipation. Additionally, the decline in global cocoa production is expected to further drive demand for CBE.
Drivers of the Cocoa Butter Equivalent Market:
Decline in Global Cocoa Production: The reduction in annual cocoa production is anticipated to significantly boost the demand for cocoa butter equivalents during the forecast period. According to the International Cocoa Organization, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana account for 54% of total cocoa production, but both countries have experienced declines of 467,000 and 448,000 tonnes, respectively, over the past three seasons. This decline has led to severe challenges across various industries due to shortages of raw materials. In March 2024, cocoa prices in London surged by approximately 47%, rising from $7,109 per tonne to $10,455 per tonne. Similarly, prices in New York increased by 44% during the same period. The International Cocoa Organization reported a further price increase of 33% in November 2024 compared to a previous increase of 12% in November 2023. As cocoa butter is widely used across sectors such as food and beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, rising prices and declining production are raising concerns among key market players. Alternatives like coconut oil, shea butter, and palm oil possess similar properties to cocoa butter and can serve as effective substitutes across these industries.
Increased Demand from the Cosmetics Sector: The growing global demand for cosmetics and personal care products is also expected to drive growth in the cocoa butter equivalent market. In these sectors, CBEs provide a cost-effective replacement for cocoa butter while maintaining similar textures and chemical properties. CBEs are commonly used in formulating various fragrances and skin creams.According to the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Perfumery Association, the cosmetics market in Europe experienced a growth rate of about 9.1% in 2023, compared to a 7.5% increase in 2022. Total retail sales of cosmetic products in Europe reached approximately €96 billion in 2023, up from €88 billion in 2022. Germany led the market with sales of €15.9 billion, followed by France at €13.7 billion and Italy at €12.5 billion.
Geographical Outlook of the Cocoa Butter Equivalent Market:
Asia-Pacific Expected to Hold Major Market Share: The Asia-Pacific region is projected to experience significant growth during the forecast period due to increasing production and demand for vegetable oils. The rise in personal care product production will also drive demand for CBEs. Countries such as China, Japan, India, and South Korea are among the largest producers and consumers of cosmetics and personal care products that utilize various types of cocoa butter equivalents.
Cosmetics Europe reports that retail sales in the Asia-Pacific cosmetics sector have consistently grown over recent years. In 2023, retail sales were recorded at €59 billion in China and €22 billion in Japan. Additionally, India and South Korea reported retail sales of €13 billion and €9 billion respectively during the same year.
Reasons for buying this report:
Insightful Analysis: Gain detailed market insights covering major as well as emerging geographical regions, focusing on customer segments, government policies and socio-economic factors, consumer preferences, industry verticals, other sub- segments.
Competitive Landscape: Understand the strategic maneuvers employed by key players globally to understand possible market penetration with the correct strategy.
Market Drivers & Future Trends: Explore the dynamic factors and pivotal market trends and how they will shape up future market developments.
Actionable Recommendations: Utilize the insights to exercise strategic decision to uncover new business streams and revenues in a dynamic environment.
Caters to a Wide Audience: Beneficial and cost-effective for startups, research institutions, consultants, SMEs, and large enterprises.
What do businesses use our reports for?
Industry and Market Insights, Opportunity Assessment, Product Demand Forecasting, Market Entry Strategy, Geographical Expansion, Capital Investment Decisions, Regulatory Framework & Implications, New Product Development, Competitive Intelligence
Report Coverage:
Historical data & forecasts from 2022 to 2030
Growth Opportunities, Challenges, Supply Chain Outlook, Regulatory Framework, Customer Behaviour, and Trend Analysis
Competitive Positioning, Strategies, and Market Share Analysis
Revenue Growth and Forecast Assessment of segments and regions including countries
Company Profiling (Strategies, Products, Financial Information, and Key Developments among others)
The cocoa butter equivalent market has been segmented as following:
By Type
Palm Oil
Coconut Oil
Shea Butter
Others
By Application
Food and Beverages
Cosmetics
Pharmaceutical
Others
By Distribution Channel
Online
Offline
Supermarkets
Hypermarkets
Retail Stores
Others
By Geography
North America
USA
Canada
Mexico
South America
Brazil
Argentina
Others
Europe
Germany
France
United Kingdom
Spain
Others
Middle East and Africa
Saudi Arabia
Israel
Others
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
South Korea
India
Others
Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.
Download eBook