Top 10: Largest Chocolate Companies

As global demand for chocolate and snack products continues to grow, leading confectionery companies have become a defining force in shaping everyday indulgence and global food culture.

From heritage chocolate makers in Switzerland and Japan to multinational snack giants in the US and Europe, brands are competing to deliver more variety, stronger quality and greater convenience across global markets.

Across more than 150 countries, these companies are investing in product innovation, sustainability, ethical cocoa sourcing and expanded flavour ranges to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Whether focused on premium craftsmanship, mass-market accessibility or on-the-go snacking, they are reshaping how people enjoy sweets worldwide.

Food & Drink Digital highlights the top 10 largest chocolate companies, based on revenue, across the confectionery industry today.

10. Ezaki Glico

CEO: Etsuro Ezaki 

Revenue: US$2.29bn

Founded: 1922

Glico is a leading chocolate and snack company known worldwide for iconic products like Pocky and PRETZ. 

Pocky, launched in 1966, combines creamy chocolate with a crisp biscuit stick, making it a popular shareable treat. 

PRETZ, introduced in 1963, offers versatile savoury and sweet pretzel sticks ideal for convenient snacking on the go. 

Founded in 1922, Glico continues to innovate globally with a philosophy of 'Wholesome Life in the Best of Taste'. 

Strong global presence and trusted quality worldwide consistently.

9. Lotte Group

Chairman: Shin Dong-Bin

Revenue: US$2.87bn

Founded: 1967

Lotte Confectionery is a top global snack company known for its wide range of beloved products like Pepero, Koala’s March, Ghana chocolate and Crunky.

Since its founding in 1967, it has grown through continuous innovation, strong marketing and advanced distribution systems.

Its merger with Lotte Food expanded its reach into broader food categories, increasing customer value across all ages.

With global subsidiaries and exports, Lotte has built a trusted brand worldwide, contributing significantly to the international growth of the food industry.

8. Meiji Holdings

CEO: Katsunari Matsuda 

Revenue: US$7.3bn

Founded: 1916

Meiji is a top chocolate brand known for its long history of quality and innovation since the launch of Meiji Milk Chocolate in 1926.

It offers a diverse lineup including Meiji The Cacao, Almond Chocolate and popular treats like Kinoko no Yama and Apollo.

As Japan’s leading chocolate seller, Meiji continues expanding globally across Asia, the U.S. and China.

The company also stands out for its strong commitment to sustainability, supporting cocoa farmers and promoting environmentally responsible production through its Meiji Cocoa Support initiatives worldwide.

7. Lindt & Sprüngli

CEO: Dr. Adalbert Lechner

Revenue: US$7.5bn

Founded: 1845

Lindt & Sprüngli is a world-leading premium chocolate company with origins dating back to 1845 in Switzerland.

It is renowned for transforming chocolate through Rodolphe Lindt’s invention of the conche, creating the smooth, melting texture that defines modern chocolate.

Iconic products like LINDOR truffles, the GOLD BUNNY and rich pralines showcase its craftsmanship and innovation.

With a “bean-to-bar” production approach, strict quality control and global sustainability efforts, Lindt maintains exceptional standards while sourcing cocoa responsibly. Its heritage, artistry and global presence make it one of the most respected chocolate brands worldwide.

6. The Hershey Company

CEO: Kirk Tanner

Revenue: US$11.69bn

Founded: 1894

The Hershey Company is a leading global chocolate and snacking company with more than 90 brands.

It offers indulgent treats like Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bars, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kat and innovative snacks such as SkinnyPop popcorn.

Hershey continues to innovate with new flavors and better-for-you options, including reduced sugar and plant-based products.

The company focuses on convenience, value and quality moments, ensuring consumers enjoy snacks in various sizes for sharing, on-the-go and family occasions.

5. Barry Callebaut

CEO: Hein Schumacher

Revenue: US$181.87bn

Founded: 1911

Barry Callebaut is a leading global chocolate company known for supplying premium cocoa and chocolate products to professional chefs and food manufacturers worldwide.

Renowned for its Callebaut Signature Collection, the company offers milk, dark and white chocolate varieties with rich flavour profiles and consistent quality.

With more than a century of expertise, it focuses on sustainable cocoa sourcing, innovation and bean-to-bar craftsmanship from its Belgian roots in Wieze.

Today it serves artisans globally with trusted chocolate solutions and inspiration.

4. The Ferrero Group

CEO: Lapo Civiletti 

Revenue: US$22bn

Founded: 1946

Ferrero Group is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, known for iconic brands such as Nutella, Kinder, Ferrero Rocher and Tic Tac, sold in more than 170 countries.

With more than 35 brands, it operates across confectionery and snacks, also managing cereals in some markets.

The company focuses on high-quality ingredients, sustainability and traceable supply chains.

Founded as a family business, Ferrero emphasises ethical sourcing, innovation and strong long-term supplier relationships while delivering trusted products enjoyed every day around the world.

3. Mondelēz International, Inc

CEO: Dirk Van de Put

Revenue: US$38.54

Founded: 2012

Mondelez International is a leading global snacking company shaping the future of snacks with iconic brands like Oreo, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Toblerone, Milka, Ritz and belVita.

Operating in more than 150 countries, it delivers everyday moments of joy through biscuits, chocolate, gum and other snacks.

With a workforce of approximately 90,000 people, Mondelez combines local heritage with global innovation to create culturally relevant products.

The company invests in sustainable sourcing, recyclable packaging and reduced climate impact while continuously improving recipes.

Its focus is on taste, nutrition and convenience for modern consumers.

2. Mars, Inc

CEO: Poul Weihrauch

Revenue: US$55bn

Founded: 1911

Mars, Incorporated is a leading global food and snacking business known for iconic brands such as M&M’s, Snickers, Twix, Skittles, Orbit, Extra and KIND, enjoyed in more than 180 countries.

As a family-owned company, it employs more than 34,000 associates and operates with a long-term focus on quality, responsibility and sustainability.

Mars produces chocolate, gum, mints and fruity confectionery while also investing heavily in ethical sourcing and environmental protection.

The company is committed to reducing its climate impact, improving packaging sustainability and supporting farmers in its supply chain.

Guided by its Five Principles, Mars aims to create better products and a better world through innovation, strong partnerships and responsible business practices that benefit people, pets and the planet for future generations.

1. Nestlé

CEO: Philipp Navratil 

Revenue: US$114bn

Founded: 1867

Nestlé is the world’s largest food and confectionery company, known for chocolate and snack brands such as KitKat, Smarties, Aero and Milkybar.

Its origins date back to the 19th century when Henri Nestlé helped pioneer milk chocolate development through collaboration with Daniel Peter.

Today, Nestlé operates in nearly 185 countries, employing hundreds of thousands of people and focusing on nutrition, health and wellness.

The company is committed to sustainable cocoa sourcing through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan, supporting farming families, improving livelihoods and promoting traceability. It also invests in recyclable packaging and reduced plastic use.

With innovation at its core, Nestlé continues to evolve its products to meet modern dietary needs while aiming to deliver “good food, good life” for consumers worldwide every day.