Cocoa; powder, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter

HS code 180610 covers the import and export of cocoa powder containing added sugar or other sweetening matter. This product is a crucial ingredient in the global confectionery and baking industries, contributing to the production of a wide range of chocolate-based goods. As a highly versatile and widely consumed commodity, the trade of cocoa powder plays a significant role in the broader food and beverage sector, with far-reaching economic implications.

The production of cocoa powder with added sugar or sweeteners typically involves a multi-step process. First, cocoa beans are harvested, fermented, and dried. The beans are then roasted, and the nibs are extracted and ground into a paste known as cocoa liquor or cocoa mass. This liquor is then pressed to separate the cocoa butter from the cocoa solids, resulting in cocoa powder. Finally, the cocoa powder is blended with sugar or other sweeteners to create the final product covered under HS code 180610.

The primary inputs required for the production of HS code 180610 products include cocoa beans, sugar, and other sweetening agents. Additionally, specialized machinery for roasting, grinding, and blending the ingredients is necessary. The availability and quality of these raw materials and equipment can significantly impact the production capacity and overall competitiveness of this industry.

The main output of HS code 180610 is cocoa powder containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, which is a crucial ingredient in the manufacture of a wide range of confectionery and baked goods. This product is often used in the production of 180632 Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa, in blocks, slabs or bars, filled and 190190 Food preparations of flour, groats, meal, starch or malt extract, not containing cocoa or containing less than 40% by weight of cocoa calculated on a totally defatted basis, not elsewhere specified or included; food preparations of goods of headings 0401 to 0404, not containing cocoa or containing less than 5% by weight of cocoa calculated on a totally defatted basis, not elsewhere specified or included.