According to data from the German trade association BDSI, Germany’s cocoa grinding volume in the third quarter of 2025 fell to 94,882 tons, marking a 5.45% year-over-year decrease as the industry continues to face mounting pressure.
Over the past 18 months, rising cocoa and energy costs have created persistent instability in Germany’s cocoa sector, affecting both production and operations. Reports indicate that all 10 cocoa-processing companies in the country have seen declines in output.
Meanwhile, cocoa futures prices appear to have cooled in recent months amid weaker consumer demand and the retreat of speculative positions. Prices have dropped from a record high of around $12,000 per ton to roughly $6,000 per ton this month.
Data also show that Europe’s cocoa grinding volume continues to slide. According to the European Cocoa Organization (ECA), a total of 337,353 tons of cocoa were processed across Europe in Q3 2025 — a 4.8% decrease compared with the same period last year.
The confectionery industry remains Germany’s fourth-largest food sector, accounting for about 10% of total sales and employing roughly 60,000 people. The industry is characterized by its strong export orientation and global market reach.