The Food Export Council recorded shipments of around 33,000 tonnes in the category, covering chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa under HS Code 180631. Egypt ranked tenth globally among exporters in this product group. Its share of global exports stood at approximately 3 per cent.
The performance signals a broader shift. Egypt is converting domestic manufacturing capacity into hard-currency earnings at a meaningful scale. That matters for a market still managing foreign-exchange pressures.
Gulf States Dominate Demand
Saudi Arabia was the largest buyer. It imported Egyptian chocolate and cocoa-based preparations worth approximately US$87 million — around 35 per cent of total exports. The United Arab Emirates ranked second at roughly US$37 million. Kuwait followed at approximately US$18 million.
The United Kingdom imported about US$15 million in the category. Qatar accounted for around US$12 million. Together, these five markets absorbed approximately US$169 million, or between 67 and 68 per cent of the US$251 million total.
Four of the top five destinations were Gulf states. That concentration reflects proximity, established distribution networks and strong regional appetite for packaged food. However, it also defines a clear commercial priority for Egyptian producers aiming at broader global reach.
What Does the Growth Mean for Investors?
The sector has grown in both volume and value. Egypt’s chocolate exports show how processed food can convert manufacturing capacity into stronger foreign-currency earnings.
For investors, the opportunity extends beyond finished chocolate bars. Export growth supports investment in production lines, packaging technology, product development and logistics networks. Capacity expansion will remain central to sustaining momentum.
The UK’s presence among the top five destinations is notable. It points to demand beyond the Gulf and offers Egyptian manufacturers a platform for wider international distribution into Europe and other developed markets.
Meanwhile, the Gulf concentration creates both strength and vulnerability. Deep relationships with Saudi Arabia and the UAE provide volume and cash-flow stability. Yet producers that build customers in Africa and Europe will reduce single-region risk and access higher-value consumer segments.
Building on a Strong Export Base
To sustain growth, Egyptian manufacturers must meet import-market quality standards, maintain reliable supply chains and adapt product ranges to local tastes. Those requirements drive investment in quality assurance, cold-chain logistics and product innovation.
The 2025 results give the industry stronger export credentials and a credible base for broadening its customer mix. Investors and analysts should watch whether Egyptian producers add capacity, secure new market approvals and reduce reliance on the five largest buyers through 2026 and beyond.
Quick answers
Egypt earned approximately US$251 million from exports of chocolate and cocoa-based food preparations in 2025, shipping around 33,000 tonnes according to Food Export Council data.
Saudi Arabia is the largest buyer at roughly US$87 million, followed by the UAE at US$37 million, Kuwait at US$18 million, the UK at US$15 million and Qatar at US$12 million — together accounting for about 67 per cent of total exports.
Egypt ranked tenth globally among exporters of chocolate and cocoa-based food preparations in 2025, holding approximately a 3 per cent share of global exports in the category.
