Latest news with #KitKatDarkBorneo
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Nestlé showcases cocoa innovation & sustainability at MICF 2025
Nestlé Malaysia chief executive officer Juan Aranols (right) and Ragai Anak Chabu, a cocoa farmer from Sarawak, showcasing the KitKat Dark Borneo chocolate and ice cream — both crafted using single-origin cocoa beans from East Malaysia. KUALA LUMPUR: Nestlé Malaysia took center stage at the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025, highlighting the distinct cocoa heritage of Sabah and Sarawak. The event was held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), bringing together industry leaders and cocoa enthusiasts from around the world. As a Platinum Sponsor, Nestlé emphasised its commitment to sustainable cocoa farming and product innovation. The spotlight was on KitKat Dark Borneo, a premium single-origin chocolate crafted exclusively from cocoa beans grown in Sabah and Sarawak, highlighting the unique flavours of Malaysian cocoa. In a statement, the food and beverage giant said it aimed to source 10,000 metric tonnes of cocoa from local Malaysian farms by 2034, in an effort to revitalise Malaysia's cocoa farming industry. Nestlé Malaysia's commitment to ethical sourcing, halal-certified production and long-term sustainability extends across its cocoa supply chain. KitKat Dark Borneo, developed under this partnership, reflects Malaysia's expertise in cocoa cultivation, crafted with locally grown beans that embody the country's deep-rooted traditions. Nestlé Malaysia chief executive officer Juan Aranols said that with exports reaching RM15bil in 2024, Malaysia's cocoa processing sector continues to expand, largely supported by imported cocoa beans. 'Local cocoa production, however, remains largely untapped, presenting significant opportunities – not only for industry growth but also for enhancing the livelihoods of farming communities, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, where conditions are ideal for cultivating high-quality cocoa. 'Nestlé Malaysia is fully committed to working alongside local stakeholders to expand cocoa farming while upholding the highest standards of sustainability, traceability and human rights compliance. 'We are excited to transform the dedication of North Borneo's farmers into innovative products that bring joy to Malaysians and our consumers worldwide, just as we have with KitKat Dark Borneo – now introduced in a special ice cream edition that celebrates Malaysia's cocoa heritage and promising future,' Aranols said. All KitKat Dark products are proudly produced at Nestlé's Halal-certified Chembong Industrial Complex in Negeri Sembilan, one of the largest Nestlé confectionery and Ice Cream plants in Asia. This facility serves as a pivotal export manufacturing hub, supplying Halal KitKat products to Asean markets and other global destinations.
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.
