Latest news with #Aranols
Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Nestlé bets on Sabah, Sarawak to boost local cocoa farming
Arnols (middle) showing the KitKat Dark Borneo chocolate and KitKat Dark ice cream with Nestle officers and a cocoa farmer from Sarikei, Sarawak (left). KOTA KINABALU (May 26): Nestlé Malaysia is looking to Sabah and Sarawak as key regions to revive the once-thriving Malaysian cocoa industry, with a bold plan to source at least 30 per cent of its cocoa needs locally by 2026. Nestlé Malaysia's Chief Executive Officer Juan Aranols who was met at the Malaysia International Cocoa Exhibition here today, described the company's growing investment in sustainable cocoa farming as a long-term commitment to rebuilding local supply chains and supporting smallholder farmers in East Malaysia. 'Malaysia was a big player in the cocoa industry 20 to 30 years ago. There is a big opportunity to regenerate that. At Nestlé, we are very committed,' he said. Aranols revealed that Nestlé has been working closely with the Malaysian Cocoa Board to promote sustainable agricultural practices and reintroduce cocoa farming to new generations of farmers, especially in rural Sabah and Sarawak. 'We want to grow about 30 per cent of our cocoa needs and have them supplied locally, especially with beans grown in Sabah and Sarawak,' he said. 'We're creating and sharing good practices, educating on sustainable farming, and adopting methods that will make cocoa farming a promising opportunity for Malaysian farmers and all the players along the supply chain,' he said. As part of this commitment, Nestlé has established the Nestlé Cocoa Club, which aims to engage at least 600 farmers by 2026. The initiative will include training, support for sustainable farming practices, and a guaranteed market for their produce. 'With all this, we really see that in the horizon, we can fulfil this ambition of growing at least 10,000 tonnes of cocoa to meet our needs for products made in Malaysia,' Aranols said. Currently, Malaysia plays a significant role in the global cocoa processing industry, with several major international companies operating cocoa grinding facilities in the country. However, most cocoa beans are still imported from other regions. 'Malaysia is a big producer of semi-finished cocoa products, but very little of that cocoa is actually grown here. This is a chance to change that and create a more sustainable, self-reliant system,' he pointed out. Aranols also supported the government's efforts to diversify crop production and improve food security in Malaysia, as highlighted by Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. 'This is a big opportunity to diversify the crops that are grown in Malaysia, to improve the livelihoods of farmers, and to increase food security. We look forward to that happening and we will do our part,' he said. Aranols also unveiled KitKat Dark Borneo ice cream, a new product that showcases cocoa beans sourced entirely from Malaysian soil. It is also available as a chocolate bar and the products are part of Nestlé's effort to highlight the unique potential of Malaysian-grown cocoa. 'These are amazing Nestlé products, both KitKat dark chocolate ice cream and KitKat bars that Malaysians know and love. What's special is that instead of using cocoa beans imported from other parts of the world, all the cocoa used in these products comes from beans grown and farmed right here in Malaysia,' he said. The response from consumers has been overwhelmingly positive, with Aranols calling it 'one of the best-tasting KitKat products worldwide.' 'We're getting lots of requests for exports, but we don't have enough cocoa beans yet. That's why we want more locally grown cocoa to make more KitKat Dark Borneo, both in chocolate and ice cream,' he added. With local farmers, government agencies and industry players working together, Aranols believes that Malaysia's cocoa industry is poised for a strong comeback. 'We're here for the long run, this isn't just about making chocolate, it's about building something meaningful with Sabahans and Sarawakians,' he said.
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Nestle launches Maggi air fryer-friendly marinade range
KUALA LUMPUR: In response to the growing use of air fryers in 42 per cent of Malaysian households, Nestle Malaysia Bhd has unveiled its latest innovation called the Maggi Air Fryer-friendly range of recipes. Marking Malaysia as one of the first markets globally to introduce this innovative range designed for air fryers, the new range includes a brand-new Satay variant and an enhanced line-up of its popular marinades. Nestle chief executive officer Juan Aranols said as air fryers become a staple in more homes, the company is pleased to innovate with solutions that deliver on its promise to make delicious meals even more accessible to Malaysians. Aranols said the Maggi Air Fryer range embodies Nestle's purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life, allowing busy individuals and families to enjoy the flavours that they love with easy preparation. "This launch reflects our deep bonds with Malaysian households and our ongoing commitment to continue enriching cooking experiences that are well-attuned with today's lifestyles," he said. Meanwhile, Maggi Malaysia business executive officer Ivy Tan Link Cheh said while Malaysians love home-cooked meals, many face challenges with time and preparation. "Made with fresh ingredients that deliver authentic taste, our new Air Fryer-friendly " perap" marinade series helps to simplify this by embracing the convenience of modern kitchen appliances, so that everyone, whether seasoned or new to the kitchen, can easily create Malaysian favourites at home. "This innovation reaffirms our brand promise of being every Malaysian's cooking companion, making it easier than ever to serve delicious, traditional flavours that bring families and friends together," she added. The new Maggi Air Fryer-friendly " perap" marinade series features four Malaysian flavours, each crafted with fresh ingredients and a rich blend of traditional spices. The flavours include Ayam Goreng Berempah, Ayam Percik, black pepper and the new Satay variant. The new range provides the convenience to spend less time in the kitchen, and more quality time enjoying good food moments with loved ones.
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Nestle Malaysia posts RM1.77 billion turnover in first quarter
PETALING JAYA: Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd recorded a turnover of RM1.77 billion for its first quarter ended March 31, 2025 (Q1'25), matching the robust sales figures in Q1'24 and reflecting a 20.1% growth compared to Q4'24. For the quarter under review, Nestlé Malaysia delivered profit before tax of RM213 million and profit after tax of RM161.3 million, more than triple Q4'24 earnings and confirming the path to profit normalisation after a challenging 2024. While Q1'25 profit was solid, it moderately contracted against the strong baseline of Q1'24, reflecting an earlier phasing of marketing investments versus 2024, as well as the prudent approach to pricing amidst soaring prices of key commodities, as the company remains mindful of mitigating as much as possible the impact on the purchasing power of the rakyat. Nestle Malaysia CEO Juan Aranols said that first quarter results are encouraging and represent an important step in their journey back to healthy growth levels and profit normalisation after some challenges in the previous quarters. Amid market volatility and intense competition, the company continued to drive solid brand plans with effective execution across all channels online and offline. Aranols said that as they navigate through 2025, they remain vigilant of the multiple factors of volatility in the global market that may impact business conditions, while staying committed to their promise of providing nutritious great-tasting halal products that meet Malaysians' needs across all life stages. He added that they are driving automation and digitalisation within their organisation as key enablers of agile decision-making and savings, which in turn fund brand investments and innovations to strengthen market leadership. 'This is what we call the virtuous circle of profitable sustainable growth, always anchored on a strong understanding of Malaysians' value expectations,' Aranols said. In Q1'25, Nestle Malaysia kept up a solid pace in its environmental, social and governance initiatives, including the expansion of its Project SAVE waste collection beyond Klang Valley to Penang Island. 'While the operating environment continues to present challenges, the signs we are observing in terms of improved consumer sentiments are encouraging. As guided earlier, we are confident in returning to healthy growth levels by H1 2025, and consolidate the normalisation of our profitable and sustainable growth path. We will continue to invest in product innovation and in enhancing our capabilities at all levels – manufacturing, logistics, commercial, etc. 'As we have done throughout our 113 years in Malaysia, we will continue to be a positive force contributing to the wellbeing of the Rakyat. Building on our strong foundation in the nation, we are confident on this outlook, while we carefully monitor global geopolitical and market developments that may affect broader economic conditions,' Aranols said.
New Straits Times
28-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Nestle Malaysia posts RM213mil net profit, RM1.77bil revenue in Q1
KUALA LUMPUR: Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd reported weaker earnings for the first quarter of the financial year 2025, attributed to higher marketing expenses earlier in the year and minimal price increases despite rising raw material costs. The food and beverages manufacturer recorded a net profit of RM213 million for the period, a 17.5 per cent decline from RM195.5 million a year ago, according to a bourse filing today. Revenue dipped slightly 0.8 per cent to RM1.77 billion from RM1.78 billion previously. The company said growth of export sales remains robust at 8.8 per cent while domestic sales are on a good path of recovery across categories which reflects the successful planning and execution during the festive periods. In a statement, Nestle Malaysia said it still focuses on ensuring the relevance of its brands and product offerings in an evolving marketplace throughout the quarter. It stated that the core products performed well, complemented by product innovations that have been positively received by consumers, helping to sustain solid market leadership positions. Nestle Malaysia chief executive officer Juan Aranols said that although the operating environment remains challenging, the company is encouraged by signs of improving consumer sentiment. "We are confident in returning to healthy growth levels by the first half of this year and consolidate the normalisation of our profitable and sustainable growth path. "We will continue to invest in product innovation and in enhancing our capabilities at all levels, including manufacturing, logistics and commercial, among others. Building on strong foundation in the nation, Aranols said Nestle Malaysia is confident on its outlook, while carefully monitoring global geopolitical and market developments that may affect broader economic conditions.
