Exporting bulk cocoa to Europe

Around 90% of all cocoa exported to Europe is bulk cocoa. It is primarily imported to Europe as cocoa beans, but large volumes of bulk cocoa paste, butter and powder are also imported. The main importing countries are the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, France and Italy. The requirements to enter the European market are similar for all cocoa products, although bulk cocoa is often of a lower quality and sold in larger shipments. The main exporting countries are Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria.