The 15 Largest Chocolate Companies In The World

Chocolate is a universal comfort food, with countries across the globe boasting their own unique chocolate cultures and products. Whether enjoyed as a rare indulgence or a regular part of one’s diet, chocolate’s various forms are cherished by many.

The global chocolate market remains robust, estimated at over $72.5 billion in 2026 and continuing its steady expansion throughout the 2020s.

Here are the 15 largest chocolate companies worldwide, ranked by their latest net sales data:

15 Largest Chocolate Companies

1. Mars Wrigley Confectionery (Mars Inc).

   Chicago, Illinois, USA
   Net sales: $20.0 billion

   Mars Inc. is a vast multinational corporation that produces an array of food and pet care products, with Mars Wrigley Confectionery focusing specifically on its candy and gum offerings. This subsidiary is responsible for some of America’s most beloved treats, including Snickers, Twix, Skittles, M&Ms, Milky Way bars, and the iconic Mars bar.

   Despite its leading position in the chocolate industry, Mars has faced scrutiny over sustainability, labor ethics, and animal welfare issues.

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2. Ferrero Group

   Luxembourg, Italy
   Net sales: $15.3 billion

   The Italian Ferrero Group specializes in chocolate and confectionery, ranking second among the world’s largest chocolate producers. Renowned for its Nutella spread, Ferrero developed this chocolate-hazelnut favorite as a cost-effective alternative to pure chocolate. The brand also includes Ferrero Rocher, Kinder products, and Tic Tac candies.

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3. Mondelez International

   Deerfield, Illinois, USA
   Net sales: $11.8 billion

   Mondelez is a major multinational corporation with a diverse portfolio in confectionery, food, and beverages. Its famous chocolate brands include Toblerone, Cadbury, and Milka, as well as popular snacks like Oreo and Chips Ahoy. Operating in over 160 countries, Mondelez is headquartered near Chicago.

   While the company has a significant lineup of products, it has faced criticism for its environmental impact and deforestation practices.

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4. Hershey Company

   Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
   Net sales: $10.4 billion

   As one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the U.S., Hershey remains a major player in the industry. Known for favorites like Hershey’s Kisses and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, the company has seen slight sales declines but continues to hold a strong position. Hershey has also made philanthropic efforts to support education but has faced various challenges regarding labor rights in its supply chain.

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5. Nestle

   Vevey, Switzerland
   Net sales: $7.9 billion

   Nestle, the largest food company globally, produces a wide range of products from baby food to medical nutrition. In the chocolate segment, Nestle is known for brands like Kit-Kat, Butterfinger, and Crunch bars. Despite its success, Nestle has faced significant criticism for its ethical practices in various markets.

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6. Meiji Co. Ltd.

   Tokyo, Japan
   Net sales: $7.6 billion

   Meiji is the largest chocolate manufacturer in Japan, also producing snacks and pharmaceuticals. While less familiar to Western audiences, Meiji’s popular products like Hello Panda and Yan Yan are gaining traction in international markets.

7. Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprungli AG

   Kilchberg, Switzerland
   Net sales: $5.5 billion

   Lindt & Sprungli, a Swiss company, specializes in chocolate confectionery, known for its premium chocolate bars and Lindor truffles. The brand enjoys seasonal popularity during holidays and has made strides in improving its sustainability practices.

8. Perfetti Van Melle

   Spa Lainate, Italy, Breda, Netherlands
   Net sales: $3.2 billion

   Formed from the merger of Perfetti and Van Melle, this company is a leader in confectionery, known for products like Airheads, Chupa Chups, and Mentos.

9. Haribo GmbH & Co. K.G.

   Bonn, Germany
   Net sales: $2.95 billion

   Haribo is renowned for creating the first gummy candies, including their iconic gummy bears. The company continues to thrive with products like Chamallow and Happy Cola gummies.

10. Pladis

    London, UK
    Net sales: $2.5 billion

    Pladis manufactures both confectionery and snack foods, with notable products under the Godiva brand, known for its high-quality chocolate. The company operates in 13 countries.

11. Ezaki Glico Co. Ltd.

    Osaka, Japan
    Net sales: $2.5 billion

    Ezaki Glico, operating in over 30 countries, is most famous for its Pocky products, which are chocolate-covered biscuit sticks that have gained popularity in the U.S.

12. August Storck KG

    Berlin, Germany
    Net sales: $1.7 billion

    With a focus on confectionery, August Storck produces popular brands such as Riesen and Toffifay and has partnerships with grocery chains for exclusive products.

13. Orion Corp.

    Seoul, Korea
    Net sales: $1.5 billion

    Orion Corp is a leading confectionery producer in South Korea, known for its Choco Pie and other chocolate products, with operations extending to several countries.

14. Morinaga Company

    Tokyo, Japan
    Net sales: $1.3 billion

    Morinaga ranks as Japan’s third-largest chocolate seller, recognized for its Dars chocolate bars and Hi-Chew candies, and known for effective marketing campaigns.

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15. Bourbon Corp.

    Niigata, Japan
    Net sales: $1.1 billion

    Bourbon Corp is the fourth-largest Japanese candy company, producing a range of chocolate confectioneries that compete with other major brands.

This list highlights interesting trends in the industry, with Japan having the most representation, boasting four of the top 15 companies, while the U.S. ranks second with three. Switzerland, Italy, and Germany each contribute two companies to the list.

Despite having fewer companies, the U.S. leads in total net sales among these countries, with all three of its firms in the top five.

Learn more about how these companies were ranked below.

How We Ranked the Top 15

To determine the top 15 largest chocolate companies, we analyzed net sales data, with estimates sourced from manufacturer surveys, annual reports, media articles, and research studies.

This list focuses on consumer-oriented companies that produce chocolate candy products, excluding industrial chocolate sales and disqualifying companies that derive most revenue from diverse food products rather than chocolate candy.

Chocolate Industry FAQ

1. How big is the global chocolate industry?

   The global chocolate industry is valued at $72.5 billion in 2026. North America accounts for 22% of the market, with the U.S. chocolate market estimated at $20.5 billion in 2026.

2. Which country consumes the most chocolate?

   Western Europe leads in chocolate consumption, holding a 33% market share. The chocolate industry market share is distributed as follows:

   • Western Europe: 33%

   • EEMEA: 24%

   • North America: 22%

   • Asia Pacific: 14%

   • South America: 7%

Final Thoughts

The cocoa industry continues to grow, with the Ivory Coast recognized as the leading cocoa producer. However, ethical labor practices remain a significant concern, prompting consumers to demand greater transparency from chocolate manufacturers.

As the chocolate and cocoa sectors evolve, consumer trends are shifting toward unique flavors and organic ingredients. Brands are also capitalizing on the rising popularity of dark or reduced-sugar chocolate options, as well as individually packaged snacks for health-conscious consumers.

In conclusion, the chocolate industry is witnessing substantial growth driven by changing consumer preferences and increasing demand for ethical practices.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.