Swiss chocolate sales remained flat in 2024, with industry leaders sounding the alarm over sluggish exports and rising costs. According to the Chocosuisse association, domestic sales inched up

by 1.7%, but exports—making up over 72% of total sales—barely grew at 0.2%.

Total chocolate volume sold rose by just 0.6% year-on-year, reaching 209,096 tonnes.

A key factor behind the stagnation: skyrocketing cocoa prices. The cost of cocoa soared to $10,888 (CHF 9,136) per tonne by the end of 2024—four times higher than the long-standing average of $2,000–$3,000. Manufacturers were forced to raise prices, which drove revenues up 13.3% to CHF 2.2 billion despite the minimal increase in volume.

However, the pain for consumers may not be over. Many producers still relied on cheaper cocoa stocks in 2024, meaning the full impact of higher prices will likely be felt in 2025.

At the same time, chocolate consumption per person in Switzerland dropped 2.4%, down to 10.6 kilograms. The industry is watching closely to see how consumers will respond to further price hikes.

Adding to the uncertainty is looming regulation. Starting at the end of 2025, the EU’s new supply chain law (EUDR) will require stricter traceability for cocoa and other imports—leaving Swiss chocolate makers facing additional compliance costs and logistical challenges. Photo by Rm1911, Wikimedia commons.