Entering the Dutch market for cocoa

The Netherlands is Europe’s largest cocoa importer. It sources mainly from West Africa and Ecuador. Most imports are re-exported, so compliance with Dutch, EU and wider European standards is essential. Bulk cocoa dominates, and Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade certification are highly valued. To enter the Dutch market, you need to find your way around regulations, choose the right channels, understand your competitors and adapt to global price trends and value-added preferences.

In the following sections, we will look at these factors to help producers and exporters succeed in the Dutch cocoa market. 

1. What requirements and certifications must cocoa meet to be allowed on the Dutch market?

To export cocoa to the Netherlands you need to meet different requirements and certifications. Some are mandatory under EU or Dutch law, while others are voluntary standards that buyers ask for. Since Dutch importers often re-export large volumes across Europe, producers can also need more certifications. This will depend on the final destination and market channel.

This study focuses on the requirements and certifications specific to the Netherlands. Our separate guide explains those that are relevant to the wider European market.

What are mandatory requirements? 

Three EU regulations shape cocoa exports to the Netherlands:

• The Regulation on Deforestation‑free Products (EUDR)
• The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
• The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

Together, they make sure that the cocoa that enters the EU is deforestation‑free, legally produced and aligned with high environmental, social and governance standards. 

The EUDR bans imports from land deforested after 31 December 2020, and requires geolocation data and legality checks. Apart from the deforestation rules, cocoa businesses need to align with broader sustainability rules. The CSDDD, which has been effective since July 2024, applies first to very large firms. It says they need to deal with human rights and environmental risks across their supply chains, focusing on fair pay, biodiversity and responsible sourcing. 

The CSRD, in force since January 2023, requires standardised ESG reporting and third‑party verification. The first reports are due in 2028–2029. These overlapping rules are being streamlined under an EU ‘omnibus package’. But there are still discussions going on between industry and NGOs about how strict the standards should be. 

To export cocoa to the Netherlands, you need to comply with EU food safety law. Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 sets the framework for food safety across the EU. Dutch requirements follow this standard to ensure traceability and consumer protection. The Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit (NVWA) oversees the implementation and enforcement of mandatory regulations. These regulations are critical entry requirements for Dutch importers and cocoa origin country exporters.

Quality requirements for the Netherlands

Quality requirements are determined at the EU level. There are some small differences at country level.

One example is on fumigation. Pest species can infest cocoa beans at their origin. If they untreated, these species can survive shipment to chocolate factories in Europe. Disinfestation can be done throughout the supply chain, and it is often also done in Europe to stop the spread of pests. The Netherlands has more stringent requirements surrounding fumigation than other European countries. Read Cocoa Beans: Chocolate & Cocoa Industry Quality Requirements and the Pesticide Use in Cocoa Practical Manual (fourth Edition) for more details. 

Labelling requirements for the Netherlands

The labelling on cocoa beans exported to the Netherlands should comply with the European Union’s general food labelling rules.

The EU has also defined rules for cocoa and chocolate products in Directive 2000/36/EC. These are described in Dutch law in the Warenwetbesluit Cacao en Chocolade. It includes rules on the minimum cocoa content required for a product to be labelled as ‘chocolate’, which includes local products that are usually produced locally, like sprinkles and chocolate flakes with low cocoa content. This law is only relevant to suppliers of chocolate or semi-finished cocoa products like cocoa butter or cocoa powder.

Payment and delivery terms for the Netherlands 

A proposed EU rule suggests a 30-day maximum for all food products. The EU’s Access2Markets website gives detailed information about taxes, rules and other factors that affect trade. It also has specific details for chocolate (HS code 1806).

What additional requirements and certifications do buyers often have?

You can expect buyers in Netherlands to ask for extra food safety guarantees. The requirements for your production and handling documentation can depend on your buyer. 

Certification standards like the Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade are important on the Dutch chocolate market. DISCO retailers and small manufacturers are bringing to the Dutch market 100% certified cocoa for their private labels of cocoa products. Large brands sold in the Netherlands are also usually certified or produced under a corporate sustainability scheme (company programme). 

As a producer or exporter, being part of a certification programme or corporate sustainability programme can help you get access to the Dutch market. However, only a small share of the cocoa imported into the Netherlands is consumed there. The share of the cocoa re-exported to other European countries could require less in terms of certification. See our study on Certified cocoa for more information about certification.

Organic

The Netherlands is one of the largest entry points for organic cocoa in the EU. To sell your products as organic in the Netherlands, EU Organic is the minimum requirement. While there is no mandatory national organic label, the Dutch market uses the private EKO Quality Mark to make premium goods stand out on retail shelves. This mark can be used alongside the EU organic logo if your product meets EKO criteria. However, Dutch importers usually manage the final application of this label.

Supplier Code of Conduct

Many cocoa suppliers and chocolate manufacturers have a Supplier Code of Conduct. Examples include the Barry Callebaut Supplier Code of Conduct, the Ofi Supplier Code of Conduct and the Cargill Supplier Code of Conduct. These supplier codes deal with different topics. They can involve human rights and environmental protection. Make sure that you comply with their Supplier Code of Conduct to get access to the Dutch market through these manufacturers. 

Sustainability requirements

One important initiative is the Dutch Initiative on Sustainable Cocoa (DISCO). It aims to improve the sustainability of all cocoa that enters the Dutch market. DISCO is about cocoa imported into the Netherlands, which is around 20% of the cocoa that is traded around the world. Its member companies are committed to dealing with important issues including living income, child labour and deforestation.

These commitments are becoming more practical and data based. Suppliers can now be asked to provide farm-level geolocation data, information on Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS) coverage and baseline data on living income. This means Dutch importers are going further than general sustainability promises and are asking for clearer proof from their suppliers.

For producers and exporters, this means meeting sustainability requirements is becoming more important for entering or staying in the Dutch market. But you need to be aware that the exact requirements will depend on the buyer and the type of cocoa being supplied.

2. Through which channels can you get cocoa onto the Dutch market?

Cocoa enters the Dutch market through several channels and serves four main industries: confectionery, food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. But most imports are used for chocolate production, which remains the largest segment. So, this study focuses on the Dutch chocolate industry, where most cocoa beans are processed and consumed.

How is the end-market segmented?

Like the wider European cocoa market, the Dutch cocoa and chocolate market can be broadly split into three main segments: bulk or low-end, middle-range, and high-end cocoa and chocolate products. These segments have differences in product quality, price level, branding, sustainability claims and target consumers.

Figure 1: Percentage of market share of chocolate product segment

Source: Mordor Intelligence 

Bulk: low-end segment

The bulk segment is the largest in volume. It supplies large-scale chocolate manufacturers with low-end products that often have a lower cocoa content. Certified cocoa, which often has sustainability labels, has become normal. This helps major brands meet sourcing commitments.

Bulk cocoa, sourced mainly from West Africa, is of low value and standard quality. Rainforest Alliance certification is common here. These products end up as conventional chocolate brands and private labels in supermarkets.

Examples of multinational brands in the confectionery category are:

• KitKat, Smarties and Rolo (Nestlé);
• Mars, Snickers and M&M (Mars);
• Cadbury and Milka (Mondelēz);
• Kinder (Ferrero);
• Reese’s (Hershey).

Figure 2: A selection of low-end segment chocolate products

Source: Photo by Denny Müller on Unsplash

Many chocolate bars sold at retailers are also in the low-end segment. At Dutch retailer Albert Heijn, these products typically cost between0.50 and €4.00 is the average price for a chocolate product (based on Albert Heijn's retail prices in 2026). See the table below for some examples. 

Table 1: Examples of low-end chocolate and their prices (€/kg).

Product	Image	Price (€/kg)
Milka Chocolate Bar Oreo (100 g)		€18.50
Verkade tablet extra puur (111 g)		€29.80

Middle range segment

The middle-range segment includes chocolate products of a higher quality. These are often also made with certified cocoa. 

Storytelling and the origin of the cocoa beans are important in this segment. Certified beans do not need to physically be in the product for storytelling. Many brands and retailers buy mass balance cocoa, which means that the certified cocoa might not physically be in the final product. Brands and retailers can support a specific farmer group and benefit from the storytelling for this farmer group if they are buying mass balance cocoa. 

The cocoa beans for the middle range segment can still be purchased in bulk at mainstream quality. The quality of the chocolate is influenced by the production process for the cocoa and the percentage share of cocoa in the final product. The chocolate quality is also improved by using higher quality non-cocoa ingredients.

Examples of multinational brands in the middle range segment include Lindt (Lindt & Sprüngli), Côte d’Or (Mondelēz), Ritter (Ritter Sport) and L’Atelier (Nestlé). The Dutch brand Tony’s Chocolonely is also in the middle range segment. See the table below for some examples.

Table 2: Examples of middle-range segment chocolate products sold at Albert Heijn (a Dutch retailer) in 2026

Product	Image	Price (€/kg)
Lindt Excellence 70% Pure (100 g)		€47.90
Côte d'Or L'original Milk (200 g)		€24.94
Ritter Sport Milk hazelnut (100 g)		€24.90
Tony's Chocolonely 32% Milk (180 g)		€26.06

High range segment

The high range segment includes specialty and craft chocolate products. These are often used with fine flavour cocoa and usually have high cocoa contents. Chocolate makers in this segment are usually smaller and more specialised. They often use fine flavour cocoa (usually from the Criollo or Trinitario cocoa tree varieties or Nacionál cocoa from Ecuador). 

Bean to bar is an example of a high-end product. The cocoa beans usually come from a single origin, with full traceability throughout the supply chain. This helps to tell the story behind their product in a way that is attractive for consumers. The high range segment usually has higher standards for sustainability as well. Certification is not necessary, but these products can be sold with Fairtrade and Organic certification.

Examples of bean to bar chocolate are presented in Table 3.

Table 3: Examples of bean to bar chocolate packaging designs

Product	Disidente Tierra Negra 75% (40 g)	PURE 70% Dark Chocolate with Lemongrass (60 g)	TBROS Dark Chocolate 70% (86 g)
Image
Type	Bean to bar made in origin	Bean to bar made in origin	Bean to bar made in origin
Bean origin	Colombia	Jamaica	Vietnam
Manufacturing	Colombia	Jamaica	Vietnam

Credit: Disidente, Pure, Socola Den, Valura Chocolate and Chocolate Makers. All photos by Long Run Sustainability

In the supermarkets, an examples of high-end chocolate products (based on retail prices of Chocoladeverkopers in 2026) include Chocolatemakers’ Puur Sierra Leone 85% (80 grams, Original Beans Esmeraldas (70 grams) and Mesjokke DARC Angel (40 grams). 

Figure 3: Chocolate makers’ product

Source: Chocolate makers, 2026

Through which channels does cocoa reach the end-market?

As an exporter, your entry strategy depends on whether your cocoa is used for mass-market processing or the growing specialty sector. While the Netherlands is a global leader in cocoa logistics, most cocoa that enters the country is meant for international markets. There are four main channels through which cocoa enters or leaves the Netherlands.

1. Beans or cocoa products imported to the Netherlands and re-exported to other countries. These enter the Netherlands at the Port of Amsterdam and are shipped onwards before being used to produce chocolate. 
2. Chocolate produced in the Netherlands for export. Together with the first option, this is the largest share of all cocoa that enters the Netherlands (96% for DISCO members).
3. Chocolate produced in the Netherlands for local consumption. Smaller chocolate companies focused on the Dutch market dominate this channel.
4. Chocolate produced in other countries for consumption in the Netherlands. This is the case for large multinational brands that do not have factories in the Netherlands.

The mainstream market offers high volume, but the demand for certified organic and traceable cocoa makes the specialty and private-label sectors the most strategic entry points.

Figure 4: How cocoa and chocolate enters the Netherlands (simplification)

Source: Long Run Sustainability, DISCO. Design by Bart Wortel.

Below is a brief description of each channel through which your cocoa can enter the Dutch market.

Importers

The Dutch market has several tiers of importers at the top. These range from global industrial giants to specialized organic traders:

• Major industrial importers: Ofi, Cargill, and ECOM use the Netherlands as their primary European distribution and processing hub. Cargill maintains multiple plants in Zaandam, Deventer, and Wormer, while ECOM operates the Dutch Cocoa B.V. factory and Tulip Cocoa plant. Although Barry Callebaut has a decoration facility in the Netherlands, its major grinding operations are based in nearby Belgium.
• Specialized and organic traders: Several mid-sized importers focus on sustainable and certified supply chains. Tradin Organic and DO-IT Organic specialize in organic beans and ingredients, while ETG/Beyond Beans and Ascot Amsterdam manages dedicated trade offices for specific producer associations. Facta International and Huyser Möller B.V. are also major Dutch-based traders of beans and semi-finished products.
• Specialty and craft importers: For smaller volumes and direct-trade relationships, specialty traders like Daarnhouwer, Gaia Cacao, and Dietz Cacao Trading are the primary entry points. These companies typically work directly with cooperatives to supply the "bean to bar" and premium organic segments.

Processors

The Netherlands is a global processing leader. This is supported by industrial giants like Cargill, Olam Agri and Dutch Cocoa (ECOM). For the organic sector, Crown of Holland (Tradin Organic) is the main dedicated facility, while specialised processors like JS Cocoa work with the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. You can find a full list of processors based in the Netherlands on the website Bedrijven op de kaart (site in Dutch).

Multinational brands with products on the Dutch market

Major chocolate multinationals like Mars, Mondelēz, Ferrero, Nestlé and Lindt dominate the Dutch retail market, but most of their production takes place abroad. In the Netherlands, Mars (Veghel) and Mondelēz operate large-scale factories that mainly serve global export markets rather than local consumption. 

For exporters, these brands often source through preferred suppliers like ofi or Cargill. These focus on stable, high-volumes and reliable quality. Entering this supply chain as an SME is difficult. Your best path is often to partner with these established suppliers who manage large-scale industrial contracts for brands like Oreo, Milka and KitKat.

National brands with a large market share on the Dutch market

In 2026, the Dutch chocolate market is characterised by a strong consumer preference for purpose-driven, ethical brands. Tony’s Chocolonely still has a top market position and very high brand awareness. Its Open Chain initiative, which focuses on traceable, higher-priced sourcing, has grown with allies like Ben & Jerry’s, Albert Heijn, Aldi, Plus and Hema. Natra and Cémoi have joined as companies that support the supply chain, together with the cocoa processor Barry Callebaut.

Traditional brands like Verkade, Droste, Van Houten, De Ruijter and Venz are visible, but they are largely owned by foreign conglomerates. Meanwhile, Fairtrade Original and Friesland Campina’s Chocomel have strong market positions. For sustainable, traceable cocoa, there are opportunities with these established players that now meet high ethical sourcing standards.

Retailers

Retail channels play an important role in how segments reach consumers. In the Netherlands, supermarkets are the main retail channel for chocolate. So, they influence the visibility, pricing and positioning of products across all three segments. The supermarket sector is very concentrated and dominated by a small number of national retailers.

The leading supermarket chains in the Netherlands are:

• Albert Heijn: The market leader, which had a market share of around 38.2% in 2025. It has a relatively premium position and offers a wide range of organic, high-quality and private-label products.
• Jumbo: The second largest supermarket chain, which had a market share of 21.1%. Jumbo competes with Albert Heijn through pricing, store experience and product variety.
• Lidl: The leading discounter, with a market share of around 10.6%. Lidl focuses on value-for-money products and is recognised for the quality of some of its fresh and private-label ranges.
• Plus: An important cooperative supermarket chain, with a market share of around 7.8%. Its market position has become stronger in recent years after its merger with Coop.
• Aldi: A major hard discounter that focuses mainly on low-cost, basic food and household products.

The role of supermarkets is particularly important in the Netherlands because they sell a lot of private-label compared to the rest of Europe. Private labels made up more than 50% of market value in 2025. Retailers like Albert Heijn and Jumbo invest a lot of money in their own brands. These private-label ranges often cover different market segments, from low-cost chocolate products to premium and organic lines, like AH Excellent.

This means that Dutch retailers do not only sell chocolate products. They also help shape the end-market. Supermarkets affect how bulk, middle-range and high-end chocolate products are presented to consumers through pricing, private-label strategies, sustainability claims and product positioning.

Niche segments

Quality and direct relationships are the most important things in the specialty bean to bar segment. Most fine-flavour beans are traded directly between producers and chocolate makers. But many brands now use specialised importers as intermediaries to handle logistics, documentation and financing. Examples of these importers are Daarnhouwer and Gaia Cacao.

Important Dutch bean to bar and specialty makers include Original Beans, Lovechock, Krak Chocolade, Heinde & Verre, Johnny Doodle, Chokay, Alter Eco and The Chocolate Makers. As the market changes towards ‘purpose-driven creation’, these players are leading demand for certified organic and fully traceable cocoa.

Chocolatier shops

High-end products are mainly sold at chocolate events and in specialty shops. Examples of physical and online specialty shops in the Netherlands are Chocoladeverkopers, The Chocolate Shop, The High Five Company, Heerlijk Chocolade and the Chocolate Company.

What is the most interesting channel for you?

The most interesting channel depends on the type, quality, volume and certification of your cocoa. Bulk cocoa is often sold to large traders, grinders and processors. Meanwhile, specialty and certified cocoa can offer better opportunities with specialised importers, chocolate makers or sustainability-focused brands. Supermarkets can also be interesting. But access is often through private-label manufacturers and their suppliers.

Bulk cocoa 

If you are an exporter of high volumes of bulk beans, then your direct trading partner is usually a cocoa trader or grinder/processor. These companies tend to buy high volumes of standard quality. The main buyers for the Dutch market are the same as the largest traders globally. Many will also have cocoa-buying stations in producing countries to which you can sell your cocoa beans directly.

Specialty cocoa 

Producers or exporters with specialty or certified cocoa are best positioned to sell cocoa beans directly to specialised cocoa importers. Many specialised importers prefer to work directly with producers and not through exporters.

If you produce or have very high-quality cocoa beans and are working through an importer, it might be interesting to discuss the possibilities to directly link up with high-end chocolate makers. This is mainly an opportunity for those that have invested and expertise so can access the market directly.

A smaller interesting channel for producers and exporters could be the small sustainability-minded brands. These companies sometimes work with or support cocoa farmers. This can be done directly or indirectly through their suppliers. These relationships are usually long-term (over several years), so it is worth investing in setting up these relationships. 

Retailers 

Supermarkets with head offices in the Netherlands could be another interesting channel to look at. The biggest ones are Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Superunie. Access to these supermarkets is mostly done through private label manufacturers and their suppliers. Certification would be a minimum requirement for imported cocoa beans. 

These supermarkets do not have direct relationships with specific producers, Although Albert Heijn is connected with producers through Tony’s Open Chain. The other large supermarkets in the Netherlands are Aldi and Lidl, but sourcing decisions are usually managed from offices outside the Netherlands.

3. What competition do you face on the Dutch market?

Competition is generally high for bulk cocoa with low added value. This segment is dominated by major suppliers and cooperatives that can deliver large volumes so they can compete on price. It is difficult for small and medium-sized companies to compete with this segment. The main import countries are in West Africa, with only a small percentage coming from Latin America and Asia.

Which countries are you competing with?

Competition on the Dutch cocoa market is very intense, especially in the bulk segment. The Netherlands is Europe’s primary cocoa entry point and processing centre. It receives large imports of raw beans for grinding into butter, paste and powder. Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Nigeria and Ghana are the main West African suppliers. They dominate in volume, while Ecuador leads in fine flavour/specialty cocoa. Malaysia and Indonesia are major players in processed products (butter and powder). They often use imported beans. Small and medium-sized exporters face great challenges around competing on price and scale against multinational traders. But there are opportunities in traceable, sustainable and premium segments because of growing EU requirements (EUDR, deforestation-free, cadmium limits).

Source: ITC calculations based on UN COMTRADE and ITC statistics, 2026

Côte d'Ivoire is the leading supplier of cocoa beans to the Netherlands

Côte d’Ivoire is the largest supplier, with an average of 271,457 tonnes of cocoa beans per year (2021–2025). This accounts for the largest share of Dutch direct imports from producing countries. The country benefits from a well-established supply chain and heavy investments by multinationals in local grinding capacity.

But production faces serious threats from climate variability, ageing trees and cocoa swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD), which is endemic in West Africa. Sustainability depends on effective disease control and adaptation. Côte d’Ivoire is still a reliable bulk supplier for the Dutch grinding industry.

The Conseil du Café-Cacao (CCC) regulates the sector and pre-sells 70–80% of the main crop. Six multinationals make up most of the trade: Cargill, Barry Callebaut, ofi, Ecom, Sucden and Touton. Since 2022, government policy has required at least 20% of exports to be handled by local processors/exporters to boost local participation. Top Ivorian exporters include AWAHUS, S3C and SCAT cooperative.

Source: ITC calculations based on UN COMTRADE and ITC statistics, 2026

Cameroon: The second largest supplier and a fast-rising competitor in derivatives

Cameroon is the second largest supplier of cocoa beans to the Dutch market. Its exports reached a peak of 195,436 tonnes in 2023 and were 152,033 tonnes per year on average between 2021 and 2025. Globally, Cameroon became the 4^th largest cocoa exporter in 2023, holding 7.6% of the international market. In that year, it exported 180,095 tonnes of raw cocoa beans. Even though this volume was lower than the year before, export revenue grew by 12.9% to over CFA 359 billion because global cocoa prices rose by 21.2%.

The Netherlands is the most important cocoa destination for Cameroon. It bought 73.8% of its cocoa shipments in 2023. Apart from raw beans, Cameroon also supplies cocoa paste to Dutch processors. Between 2021 and 2025, these paste exports were 10,222 tonnes per year on average with an annual value of €55.3 million. In the 2023/2024 season, production grew slightly by 1.17%, to a total of 266,725 tonnes.

The National Cocoa and Coffee Office (ONCC-NCCB) manages the sector and started the 2024/2025 season with a positive view. But, like other West African countries, Cameroon faces problems from unpredictable rainfall, high temperatures and crop diseases, like the cocoa swollen shoot virus. To keep its strong position in the market, the industry is now focusing on traceability and following the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Nigeria: Rapidly growing competitor for beans and derivatives

Nigeria is a growing competitor on the Dutch market, with an average of 121,981 tonnes of cocoa beans per year between 2021 and 2025. There was a strong rise from 118,382 tonnes in 2020 to 136,610 tonnes in 2024. It also supplies high volumes of semi-finished products: cocoa paste (average 3,661 tonnes, valued at €12,478,000[A2] ) and cocoa butter (average 1,934 tonnes, valued at €14,374,000).

Nigerian cocoa is often seen as variable in quality on the Dutch market due to inconsistent fermentation and drying practices. This limits its price premium compared to Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. But targeted improvements in post-harvest handling could really boost competitiveness.

International processors like Barry Callebaut have a strong presence. Local exporters include FTN Cocoa Processing, Ile-Oluji, Sunbeth Global, Olatunde International, SAO Agro and Starlink. Deforestation is a serious challenge; Nigeria has one of the world’s highest rates. Better farm mapping, geolocation data and traceability systems will be essential to meet the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and make sure there is continued access to the Dutch grinding hub.

Ghana: Fourth major bulk supplier but leads in several processed categories

Ghana supplied 70,299 tonnes of cocoa beans on average per year between 2021 and 2025. But it stands out with its value-added products. This shows the country’s strategic push towards local processing. 

Ghana leads the Dutch market in cocoa butter quantity (average 29,357 tonnes, valued at €183,081) and cocoa powder quantity (average 18,602 tonnes). It also ranks as a top supplier of cocoa paste (average 21,547 tonnes, valued at €89,059,000). Ghanaian beans have an excellent reputation for consistent flavour and quality. This makes them highly valued by Dutch grinders and chocolate manufacturers.

Challenges include rainfall variability, rising temperatures, the spread of CSSVD that affects hundreds of thousands of hectares and illegal mining (galamsey). The Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) manages marketing through Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) and the Cocoa Marketing Company. Important initiatives focus on farm rehabilitation, traceability pilots for EUDR compliance and ethical sourcing. Interesting organisations include ABOCFA and Kuapa Kokoo Co-operative. 

Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana lead in cocoa paste, butter and powder exports to the Netherlands. This is because there have been investments in local grinding (tax incentives in Côte d’Ivoire for processed exports, Cocobod strategies in Ghana). These efforts position Ghana as a reliable supplier of both bulk beans and high-quality semi-finished products to the Netherlands.

Source: ITC calculations based on UN COMTRADE and ITC statistics, 2026

Source: ITC calculations based on UN COMTRADE and ITC statistics, 2026

Ecuador: Main fine-flavour/specialty supplier

Ecuador supplied an average of 32,759 tonnes of cocoa beans per year between 2021 and 2025. Export value rose to €152,735,000 on average. It is still the primary Latin American origin for the Dutch market. Its cocoa is prized for flavour diversity, fine-flavour varieties (especially Nacional/Arriba), quality and sustainability. While it does not dominate in bulk volumes, its specialty positioning appeals to premium Dutch chocolate makers.

Challenges include El Niño weather effects, pests, ageing trees and stricter EU cadmium regulations on chocolate and cocoa products, which affect high-cocoa-content items. Reforms supported by the EU, FAO and UNDP focus on national traceability systems, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and deforestation-free certification schemes to meet EUDR requirements and maintain access to Europe. Important exporters include UNOCACE, COFINA and Cacaos Finos Ecuatorianos SA. Ecuador’s focus on quality and traceability helps it stand out in a market dominated by West African bulk supply.

Malaysia: Important player in processed cocoa products

While not a major direct exporter of cocoa beans to the Netherlands, Malaysia plays an important role in processed products, particularly cocoa butter (2,313 tonnes quantity on average, valued at €14,352,000). It is home to an advanced grinding industry (processing over 380,000 tonnes annually in recent seasons). This industry often uses imported West African beans to produce semi-finished goods for re-export.

The Malaysian Cocoa Board is behind quality improvements, productivity enhancement and alignment with EU sustainability and halal standards. Processors like Guan Chong Berhad target niche markets with certified products. Malaysia’s strength lies in efficient processing capabilities and its ability to supply consistent butter and powder. This complements the bulk bean dominance of West African origins on the Dutch market. Compliance with EUDR and sustainability requirements will remain a focus as the country revitalises local farms and expands value-added exports.

What companies are you competing with?

The Netherlands is the largest importer of cocoa beans in Europe and a major grinding centre. That is why it has massive processing facilities that supply chocolate manufacturers across the continent. 

Competition is very strong, especially in the bulk segment, where scale, price and logistics are most important. Who your main competitors are will depend on your segment: raw beans, cocoa paste, butter, powder or specialty/fine-flavour. They will either be large multinational traders and processors or smaller, quality-focused importers and bean to bar makers.

Major multinational corporations

The Dutch cocoa sector is dominated by a few global giants that control sourcing, processing, storage and distribution. Important players include Cargill, ofi (Olam Food Ingredients), Barry Callebaut and ECOM Agroindustrial (operating through Dutch Cocoa B.V., Tulip Cocoa and Theobroma). These companies run large-scale grinding facilities near the Port of Amsterdam and Zaandam/Wormer. This allows them to import huge volumes of beans (mainly from West Africa) and convert them into liquor, butter, powder and other derivatives at competitive prices.

They benefit from vertical integration, strong farmer partnerships and investments in traceability and sustainability to meet strict EU requirements. For example, Cargill uses solar-powered warehouses, electric barges and biomass boilers in the Netherlands. It aims to cut emissions per tonne of product by 30% by 2030. ofi has built a carbon-neutral cocoa warehouse with 7,000 solar panels at the Port of Amsterdam. This could reduce CO2 emissions by 1,350 tonnes each year. Barry Callebaut, the world’s largest chocolate and cocoa products manufacturer, maintains an important presence and supplies industrial ingredients across Europe. ECOM focuses on high-quality processing and certified cocoa.

These multinationals often have large contracts directly with origin countries. They use their financial strength, modern logistics and sustainability programmes (e.g. Cargill’s Cocoa Promise and Barry Callebaut’s Forever Chocolate) to dominate supply. Smaller exporters find it difficult to compete on volume and price alone, but there are opportunities like offering reliable, fully traceable, and EUDR-compliant cocoa with flexible terms and strong relationship-building.

Small and medium-sized importers and chocolate producers

Alongside the giants, the Dutch market includes specialised traders and a growing number of craft bean to bar chocolate makers who stand out through quality, transparency, direct trade and sustainability. These companies focus on fine-flavour or organic cocoa and appeal to premium buyers, chefs and conscious consumers.

One interesting example is Daarnhouwer & Co., a long-established Dutch trader specialising in high-quality and specialty cocoa beans. Another example is Tradin Organic (with its Crown of Holland processing facility), which focuses on certified organic cocoa products. In the bean to bar segment, Chocolatemakers (Amsterdam) stands out for its solar-powered factory, wind-assisted transport (e.g. the sailing ship Tres Hombres) and direct sourcing. Other craft players, like Metropolitan (Amsterdam) and Zoen Chocolate and smaller brands, focus on origin-specific flavours, ethical sourcing and minimal environmental impact.

These smaller actors compete by building close relationships with cooperatives, offering full traceability and highlighting unique stories (e.g. organic, Fairtrade or climate-positive practices). They respond to the growing demand for premium, transparent chocolate.

In summary, the Dutch market rewards scale and efficiency in the bulk segment (dominated by multinationals) and quality, traceability and sustainability in the specialty segment. As a smaller or medium-sized exporter, you can compete effectively by delivering consistent quality, bullet-proof EUDR compliance, transparent documentation and responsive service. This is particularly true in niches where buyers are looking for alternatives to the big players or verified fine-flavour/origin-specific cocoa.

Amonarmah Consults carried out this study in partnership with Molgo Research on behalf of CBI.

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