Latest news with #MICF
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.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MICF 2025 STEPS ONTO THE GLOBAL STAGE: A GLOBAL COMMITMENT TO COCOA FARM REVITALISATION, EUDR COMPLIANCE & STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL COCOA INDUSTRY
KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Malaysia International Cocoa Festival (MICF) 2025, held from 24 to 27 May 2025, concluded with remarkable success and outstanding achievements in strengthening the national cocoa industry and placing it firmly on the international radar. With over 25,000 visitors attending over four days, MICF 2025 officially achieved its objectives – becoming the premier platform that unites innovation, business networking, technical knowledge, and cultural exchange within the regional and global cocoa landscape. The festival was officiated by the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who reaffirmed the government's commitment to revitalizing cocoa farms and boosting local production through various strategic initiatives. In his speech, he also highlighted Malaysia's need to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which now serves as a key guideline in the international export market. "We not only need to increase our cocoa yield, but also ensure our production complies with traceability, accessibility, and sustainability standards as outlined in the EUDR. Malaysia must be recognized as a responsible and sustainable cocoa producer," he stated. He further shared that the government will utilize existing land and introduce high-quality modern agricultural practices to double cocoa yields. He urged smallholders, investors, and cooperatives to embrace this national initiative, which also opens new economic opportunities, especially in rural areas. "Although local cocoa bean production remains modest, our efforts have shown a significant 65% increase – from 269 tonnes in 2023 to 445 tonnes in 2024. We must balance a strong downstream sector with more sustainable upstream production," he added. "MICF comprises three main components – exhibitions, conferences, and the gala dinner – all of which contribute to the objective of strengthening the cocoa value chain from farm to the global market," he said. MICC 2025 welcomed over 1,000 participants from 25 countries, including industry players, government agencies, researchers, and students, in a two-day international conference. The conference featured presentations and forums covering topics such as cocoa sustainability, product innovation, traceability, smart agriculture, and cooperative development. Chairman of the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB), YB Datuk Matbali Musah, emphasized in his speech that MICC serves not only as a platform to showcase innovation and business networks, but also contributes to industry knowledge empowerment through expert presentations and industry leaders from around the globe. A total of 160 participants from 25 countries took part in the international MICE exhibition, while the Cocoa Gala Dinner (MICD) served as a platform for appreciation and networking, also showcasing Sabah's unique culture to international participants. The Director General of the Malaysian Cocoa Board, Datuk Dr. Ramle Kasin, also played a key role in the success of MICF 2025. He led the MCB team in planning and executing what is considered the most prestigious event in the national cocoa industry calendar. Under his leadership, MCB also strengthened research and development (R&D) in cocoa breeding, processing techniques, and innovative product development. Technical visits to cocoa farms in Ranau and cultural centers around Kota Kinabalu were among the festival's key attractions, giving participants the chance to witness best practices in cocoa farming and experience the richness of local culture. With Malaysia's cocoa export value reaching RM15 billion in 2024 and export volume increasing to 690,000 tonnes, MICF 2025 clearly demonstrated that the Malaysian cocoa industry remains relevant, has sustainable growth potential, and is globally competitive. In his closing speech for MICF 2025, which also served as the official closing ceremony, the Director General of the Malaysian Cocoa Board, Datuk Dr. Ramle Hj. Kasin, expressed his utmost appreciation to all parties involved in the success of MICF 2025. He expressed hope that the commitment, cooperation, and dedication shown throughout the festival will continue in efforts to elevate the national cocoa industry to greater heights. "I believe that with the networks established and the ideas shared during this festival, we can usher the national cocoa industry into a new era that is more sustainable and internationally competitive," he concluded. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Malaysian Cocoa Board Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MICF 2025 STEPS ONTO THE GLOBAL STAGE: A GLOBAL COMMITMENT TO COCOA FARM REVITALISATION, EUDR COMPLIANCE & STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL COCOA INDUSTRY
KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Malaysia International Cocoa Festival (MICF) 2025, held from 24 to 27 May 2025, concluded with remarkable success and outstanding achievements in strengthening the national cocoa industry and placing it firmly on the international radar. With over 25,000 visitors attending over four days, MICF 2025 officially achieved its objectives – becoming the premier platform that unites innovation, business networking, technical knowledge, and cultural exchange within the regional and global cocoa landscape. The festival was officiated by the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who reaffirmed the government's commitment to revitalizing cocoa farms and boosting local production through various strategic initiatives. In his speech, he also highlighted Malaysia's need to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which now serves as a key guideline in the international export market. "We not only need to increase our cocoa yield, but also ensure our production complies with traceability, accessibility, and sustainability standards as outlined in the EUDR. Malaysia must be recognized as a responsible and sustainable cocoa producer," he stated. He further shared that the government will utilize existing land and introduce high-quality modern agricultural practices to double cocoa yields. He urged smallholders, investors, and cooperatives to embrace this national initiative, which also opens new economic opportunities, especially in rural areas. "Although local cocoa bean production remains modest, our efforts have shown a significant 65% increase – from 269 tonnes in 2023 to 445 tonnes in 2024. We must balance a strong downstream sector with more sustainable upstream production," he added. "MICF comprises three main components – exhibitions, conferences, and the gala dinner – all of which contribute to the objective of strengthening the cocoa value chain from farm to the global market," he said. MICC 2025 welcomed over 1,000 participants from 25 countries, including industry players, government agencies, researchers, and students, in a two-day international conference. The conference featured presentations and forums covering topics such as cocoa sustainability, product innovation, traceability, smart agriculture, and cooperative development. Chairman of the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB), YB Datuk Matbali Musah, emphasized in his speech that MICC serves not only as a platform to showcase innovation and business networks, but also contributes to industry knowledge empowerment through expert presentations and industry leaders from around the globe. A total of 160 participants from 25 countries took part in the international MICE exhibition, while the Cocoa Gala Dinner (MICD) served as a platform for appreciation and networking, also showcasing Sabah's unique culture to international participants. The Director General of the Malaysian Cocoa Board, Datuk Dr. Ramle Kasin, also played a key role in the success of MICF 2025. He led the MCB team in planning and executing what is considered the most prestigious event in the national cocoa industry calendar. Under his leadership, MCB also strengthened research and development (R&D) in cocoa breeding, processing techniques, and innovative product development. Technical visits to cocoa farms in Ranau and cultural centers around Kota Kinabalu were among the festival's key attractions, giving participants the chance to witness best practices in cocoa farming and experience the richness of local culture. With Malaysia's cocoa export value reaching RM15 billion in 2024 and export volume increasing to 690,000 tonnes, MICF 2025 clearly demonstrated that the Malaysian cocoa industry remains relevant, has sustainable growth potential, and is globally competitive. In his closing speech for MICF 2025, which also served as the official closing ceremony, the Director General of the Malaysian Cocoa Board, Datuk Dr. Ramle Hj. Kasin, expressed his utmost appreciation to all parties involved in the success of MICF 2025. He expressed hope that the commitment, cooperation, and dedication shown throughout the festival will continue in efforts to elevate the national cocoa industry to greater heights. "I believe that with the networks established and the ideas shared during this festival, we can usher the national cocoa industry into a new era that is more sustainable and internationally competitive," he concluded. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Malaysian Cocoa Board Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Express
27-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Research and development plays key role in cocoa competitiveness
Published on: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 27, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Malaysia must revive local cocoa production to gradually reduce the imbalance between the robust downstream sector and the upstream market. Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian government, through the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB), plays a key role in driving cocoa research and development (R&D) to boost the industry's competitiveness. Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the MCB's R&D centre specialises in cocoa cultivation, post-harvest processing, breeding and mass management, and quality control as well as product development. 'Our efforts in the upstream sector continue to bear fruit with cocoa beans production increasing by 65 per cent from 269 tonnes to 445 tonnes last year,' he said in his keynote speech at the launch of the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025 here on Monday. Also present were Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, MCB chairman Datuk Matbali Musah and MCB director-general Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin. Johari said Malaysia must revive local cocoa production to gradually reduce the imbalance between the robust downstream sector and the upstream market. He said the focus is on premium cocoa varieties such as fine flavour beans, single-origin beans and organic beans to meet global quality demands. Advertisement 'To embrace a sustainable and responsible cocoa supply chain, we will continue to work on the National Cocoa Traceability System which is currently in progress. Once complete, I encourage those who import cocoa beans to bring this system to their source countries and work with farmers there to embrace sustainability at the plantation level,' he said. Meanwhile, Johari said Malaysia is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, reducing methane emissions by 30 per cent, and maintaining forest cover at no less than 50 per cent. He said this is why the implementation policies prohibit deforestation and focus on good agricultural practices with quality planting materials. 'We're embarking on sustainable plantation practices that will yield higher returns and premium prices for farmers in the future while protecting our environment and forests,' Johari added. MICF 2025 is organised by the MCB from May 24-27, featuring exhibitions, conferences, cultural dinners, business matching and business talks. The event has attracted 1,000 participants from 16 countries, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, investors and government stakeholders to explore the latest trends and technologies in cocoa. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Barnama
27-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
UPSI-MCB Ink Pact to Boost cocoa Research, Innovation
IPOH, May 27 (Bernama) -- Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in research, product development and training within the country's cocoa industry. In a statement today, UPSI said MCB chairman Datuk Matbali Musah and MCB director-general Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin witnessed the signing ceremony held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu last night in conjunction with the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025. UPSI was represented by its Academic and International Affairs director, Associate Professor Dr Ridzwan Che Rus, who said the MoU, an initiative by UPSI's Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education (FTV), aims to strengthen collaboration in research, product development and training within the country's cocoa industry.
