Latest news with #MalaysiaInternationalCocoaFair
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Daily Express
27-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Swiss envoy meets Chief Minister
Published on: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 27, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Switzerland Ambassador to Malaysia, Chantal Moser met with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to discuss bilateral cooperation at Menara Kinabalu here on Monday (26 May). Moser also discussed Sabah's sustainability efforts on commodities especially those related to food and agricultural production and economic development, amongst others. The Swiss envoy, who assumed the ambassador post in January this year is here to attend the Malaysia International Cocoa Fair (2025) held over the weekend. * 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
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
More Sabah farmers should venture into cocoa, says Hajiji
KOTA KINABALU: Farmers are encouraged to take up cocoa planting and expand the 3,000ha of land already under cultivation in Sabah, in light of growing global demand. Malaysia's cocoa exports reached a record RM15.06bil last year, three times higher than in 2023, reflecting rising international appetite for its cocoa-based goods. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabah contributed significantly to this success, accounting for over 60% of the country's total output. ALSO READ: Sabah to host first Malaysia International Cocoa Fair 'Around 3,000 cocoa farmers in Ranau, Tenom, Kota Marudu, Keningau and Kuamut have benefitted from this thriving industry," he said at the Cocoa Gala Dinner in conjunction with the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair 2025 (MICF 2025) here on Monday (May 26). His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister and state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. MICF 2025 was described as a milestone for Sabah, underscoring the state's vital role in Malaysia's cocoa industry. The Malaysian Cocoa Board was also praised for its efforts in driving the sector's growth. Hajiji hoped that MICF 2025 would generate lasting benefits, from new partnerships and investments to enhanced global awareness of Sabah, not only as Malaysia's leading cocoa-producing state, but also as a destination for business, tourism and culture.
Daily Express
25-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Surge in Sabah cocoa output
Published on: Sunday, May 25, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 25, 2025 Text Size: Members of the public viewing chocolate on display at the fair. KOTA KINABALU: Sabah registered a surge in cocoa production this year driven by rising market prices now reaching RM30,000 per tonne. 'Cocoa demand is increasing and this opens up new economic opportunities, especially for smallholders in Sabah. 'Many are unaware that cocoa is used not only in food but also in production of cosmetics, health, and personal care products,' said Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM) Director-General Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin. He said the Government, through the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities and LKM, has intensified efforts to support cocoa growers through incentives, crop rehabilitation and new technologies, with hopes of boosting national production. Sabah was the nation's top cocoa producer in Sabah in the late 1970s and early 1980s, until the crop was affected by disease. They were grown mainly in Tawau. The hosting of MICF 2025 (Malaysia International Cocoa Fair) at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) from May 24 until 27 is seen as a strategic step to strengthen cocoa industry development in East Malaysia. Advertisement It is hoped that it would expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs to penetrate global markets through innovation, networking, and access to international technology. 'With strong global cocoa prices, we are confident that industry players will become more competitive and capable of attracting foreign investment. MICF is the first step toward making Malaysia a world-class cocoa hub,' he said. MICF 2025 is the first platform of its kind to be held in Sabah and gathered more than 160 exhibitors from both local and international sectors, further strengthening Malaysia's position as a key player in the regional cocoa industry. "This is the first time we're organizing MICF in Sabah. It's not just an exhibition, but a strategic effort to bring together all players in the industry — from upstream to downstream — to build business networks and promote innovation in the cocoa sector,' Ramle said. More than 20 per cent of the participants are from international companies, including China, Indonesia, Singapore, Europe, and Africa. 'We expect over 30,000 visitors throughout the four-day event. We've been promoting the event for several months now and are offering various incentives, including a grand prize of a Perodua Axia car, motorcycles, and two ATVs to attract lucky visitors,' Ramle added. The exhibition is open to the public from 10am to 9pm daily and features chocolate-making demonstrations, chocolate-making competitions and a special area showcasing modern cocoa processing machines from European countries such as Italy. * 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
Daily Express
17-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah Cocoa Fair aims 25,000 visitors
Published on: Saturday, May 17, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 17, 2025 Text Size: Chan (left) and Dr Ramle visit the Cocoa Kingdom KK Chocolate House in Kota Kinabalu to promote the upcoming Malaysia International Cocoa Fair (MICF). Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysia International Cocoa Fair (MICF) here from May 24 to 27 features a range of exciting activities and over RM100,000 worth of prizes in lucky draws, including a Perodua Axia! The event is expected to attract over 1,000 industry delegates for conferences and networking dinners, as well as 25,000 trade and public visitors throughout the four-day fair. Advertisement Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, said the decision to host MICF in Sabah underscores the government's strong commitment to supporting the State's growing prominence in Malaysia's cocoa industry. 'Sabah has long been a vital hub for cocoa production, and bringing MICF here is both symbolic and strategic. 'It's a powerful signal of recognition from the federal government and a golden opportunity to showcase the richness of Sabah's cocoa to the world,' said Chan. Organised by the Malaysian Cocoa Board, the MICF serves as a major international platform for promoting Malaysia's cocoa sector and fostering collaboration between local and international industry players. Advertisement During a recent visit to the Cocoa Kingdom KK Chocolate House in Kota Kinabalu, Chan accompanied by the Director General of the Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM), Datuk Dr Ramle Hj Kasin—underscored the importance of local industry participation in the upcoming MICF. 'Cocoa Kingdom is one of the exhibitors at MICF. The company's chocolates are regularly supplied to five-star establishments such as Shangri-La Tanjung Aru. A portion of the raw cocoa used is sourced from the company's own plantation in Tawau, an initiative that aligns well with the Ministry's and the Malaysian Cocoa Board's policy to expand cocoa cultivation nationwide,' he noted. Chan stated that, beyond serving as a strategic business platform, the Malaysia International Cocoa Fair (MICF) offers a rare opportunity for the public to explore Sabah's cocoa industry and appreciate the craftsmanship behind chocolate-making through a variety of family-friendly activities. Visitors to the fair can look forward to seeing live chocolate-making demonstrations, chocolate tasting, cultural performances, learn about cocoa at the Cocoa Knowledge Hub, and the highly anticipated lucky draw. The fair is set to take place at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), with free admission. Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani is expected to officiate at the opening ceremony. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
The Star
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah to host first global cocoa fair
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will host the first Malaysia International Cocoa Fair (MICF), showcasing the richness of the state's cocoa to the world. 'Sabah has long been a vital hub for cocoa production, so bringing the MICF here is both symbolic and strategic,' said Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin. The event, which will take place in the state capital from May 24 to 27, underscores the government's commitment to support Sabah's growing prominence in Malaysia's cocoa industry, he said in a statement. Organised by the Malaysian Cocoa Board, Chan said MICF serves as an international platform for promoting Malaysia's cocoa sector and fostering collaboration between local and international industry players. He spoke of his recent visit to the Cocoa Kingdom KK Chocolate House in Kota Kinabalu, noting that the company will be one of the exhibitors at MICF. 'Their chocolates are regularly supplied to luxury hotels such as Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, using cocoa sourced from their own plantation in Tawau,' he said. Beyond serving as a strategic business platform, he noted that MICF offers an opportunity for the public to explore Sabah's cocoa industry and appreciate the craftsmanship behind chocolate-making. According to the Malaysian Cocoa Board, lucky draw prizes at the event include a Perodua Axia, two units of all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, electronic gadgets, household appliances, smartphones, hotel stay vouchers and chocolate products.
