JAKARTA 2 April 2026 – Indonesia is one of the world’s leading cocoa producing countries and plays a significant role in the global cocoa trade. In recent years, Indonesia has increasingly focused on exporting value added cocoa products, including cocoa powder, rather than relying solely on raw cocoa bean exports. Cocoa powder is widely used as a key ingredient in the food and beverage industry, such as chocolate products, bakery items, and instant drinks, which has driven steady growth in global demand.
Among Indonesia’s export destinations, India has emerged as one of the most important markets for Indonesian cocoa powder. With its large population and rapidly expanding food and beverage sector, India offers strong long term potential for cocoa-based products.
India as a Key Market for Indonesian Cocoa Powder
International trade data show that India is one of the main export destinations for Indonesian cocoa powder. In 2022, Indonesia’s cocoa powder exports to India were valued at approximately USD 119 million, with a total volume exceeding 44 million kilograms. This figure places India among the largest markets for Indonesian cocoa powder, surpassing several other Asian destinations.
The high export value and volume reflect strong demand from Indian manufacturers, particularly those operating in the chocolate, confectionery, beverage, and bakery industries. As consumer preferences in India continue to shift toward processed and packaged food products, the need for reliable cocoa powder supplies is expected to increase further.
The Role of SMEs in Cocoa Powder Exports
Cocoa powder exports from Indonesia are not only driven by large-scale manufacturers. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have also begun to enter international markets. In 2023, an Indonesian SME successfully recorded its first cocoa powder export to India, demonstrating that smaller producers can compete globally when supported by proper assistance and quality standards.
The exported cocoa powder was processed domestically using locally sourced cocoa beans from Indonesia’s main cocoa-producing regions. The shipment was exported through one of Indonesia’s major ports, highlighting the readiness of local SMEs to participate in international trade when supported by government export facilitation programs.
This achievement underlines the growing competitiveness of Indonesian cocoa powder and shows that SMEs can play an increasingly important role in expanding Indonesia’s export base.
Growing Demand for Cocoa Powder in India
India’s demand for cocoa powder continues to rise, driven by the expansion of its food and beverage industry. Domestic chocolate production, instant beverage manufacturing, and bakery businesses are growing steadily, creating consistent demand for cocoa based raw materials.
Indonesia is well-positioned to meet this demand due to several competitive advantages, including abundant cocoa bean supply, established processing capacity, and the ability to deliver large volumes with consistent quality. These factors have helped Indonesia strengthen its position as one of India’s key cocoa powder suppliers.
Contribution to Indonesia’s Cocoa Export Performance
The increase in cocoa powder exports to India has contributed positively to Indonesia’s overall cocoa export performance. In 2025, Indonesia’s total cocoa exports including cocoa powder and other processed cocoa productsrecorded significant growth compared to previous years. This trend reflects Indonesia’s broader strategy to move up the value chain by promoting processed agricultural exports rather than raw commodities.
Cocoa powder, as a high value processed product, plays an important role in increasing export revenue and enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesia’s cocoa industry on the global stage.
Opportunities and Challenges in the Indian Market
From an opportunity perspective, India offers a large and growing market for Indonesian cocoa powder. Rising consumer demand, expanding food processing industries, and improving trade relations all support further export growth. In addition, government programs that encourage SME participation in exports help diversify Indonesia’s exporter base.
However, exporters also face challenges. Global cocoa price volatility can affect export values and profit margins. In addition, maintaining consistent quality, improving processing technology, and complying with India’s import regulations are essential for long term success. Exporters must also understand market preferences and technical requirements to remain competitive.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the outlook for Indonesia’s cocoa powder exports to India remains positive. Continued investment in processing capacity, quality improvement, and export promotion will be key to sustaining growth. Strengthening support for SMEs particularly in certification, logistics, and market access will also help ensure long term competitiveness.
With strong demand from India and growing global interest in cocoa based products, Indonesia has a solid opportunity to further strengthen its position as a reliable supplier of cocoa powder to the Indian market.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s cocoa powder exports to India represent a strategic opportunity supported by strong market demand and competitive domestic production capabilities. The successful participation of SMEs demonstrates the broad potential of Indonesia’s cocoa industry. With continued quality improvement, capacity development, and supportive export policies, Indonesia is well-positioned to expand its cocoa powder exports to India in the years ahead.
Sources
- World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS) – World Bank
- DJKN, Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia
- ANTARA News
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