Latest news with #MalaysiaInternationalCocoaFestival
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
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah chocolatiers shine at MICF 2025, eye global markets
Noorziah (left) with her staff showcases the bird's eye chili-flavoured chocolate prepared for MICF 2025. KOTA KINABALU (May 25): The Malaysia International Cocoa Festival (MICF) 2025 is providing more than just a stage for showcasing locally produced chocolates; it is also opening doors for cocoa industry players to expand their marketing reach. For Noorziah Laugan Terki, founder of the Famles handmade chocolate brand, events like MICF are invaluable, especially for Sabah's homegrown cocoa and chocolate entrepreneurs. Noorziah, who has been involved in chocolate exhibitions since 2005, now offers nine different chocolate flavours. Among her best-selling creations are those infused with bird's eye chili, durian, tiramisu, almond and mint. 'In addition to participating in local events, I've also joined international cocoa festivals in China, the Philippines and Brunei,' she said when met at the MICF. 'I even had a three-year collaboration with a chocolatier in Guangzhou, China, where I had the opportunity to produce my own line of chocolates.' She believes that events like MICF are key to promoting her brand while tapping into broader markets through the exposure brought by large crowds. Revyra Chocolate and Confectionery Sdn Bhd director Mohamad Hanafia Mohamad Yunus echoed similar sentiments. He said their latest creation, the 'Dubai-Style Chocolate', has quickly become a hot favourite since its launch in March this year. 'We've consistently supported programmes organised by the Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM) and have taken part in many such events,' he said. 'These initiatives not only help boost our brand visibility but also elevate the profile of local chocolate products overall. 'This is our second time participating in an event in Sabah. While the market here is different from Peninsular Malaysia, there are still many opportunities to explore,' he added. Hanafia also noted that MICF 2025 offers a valuable opportunity for his company to connect with potential distributors interested in bringing their products into the Sabah market. MICF 2025 is taking place over four days at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), featuring a wide range of engaging activities and exciting prizes for visitors, including a car giveaway. This marks the first time the festival is being held in Sabah, with approximately 150 booths showcasing and selling a diverse selection of chocolate-based products.
Daily Express
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah cocoa soars on strong global prices
Published on: Friday, May 23, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 23, 2025 Text Size: Ramle and Matbali during the press conference. Sabah's cocoa industry saw a significant surge in the first quarter of 2025, driven by soaring global prices and promising output from local plantations. Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM) director general Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin said cocoa prices are currently approaching RM30,000 per tonne, fuelling optimism amongst farmers and industry players. 'There's real momentum in Sabah's cocoa sector right now. With prices this strong, we're seeing renewed interest from smallholders and large estates. 'The price rally has revived cocoa cultivation across the state and we anticipate even higher yields in the coming quarters,' he said after a walkabout of the Malaysia International Cocoa Festival (MICF) 2025 on Friday. Malaysia's cocoa industry registered a total export revenue of RM8.87 billion as of August 2024 with Sabah being the largest producer of cocoa beans in the country, accounting for 57 pc of cultivation. Advertisement The MICF is a landmark event that showcases the full spectrum of Malaysia's cocoa industry from upstream farming to downstream chocolate innovation. The event from 24 to 28 May features conferences, exhibitions and a grand gala dinner on May 28 at SICC. The exhibition boasts over 160 booths, with more than 20 percent from international exhibitors including participants from China, Singapore, Europe, Indonesia, and Africa. More than 30,000 visitors are expected thanks to months of aggressive promotions and attractive incentives including a Perodua Axia, ATVs and motorbikes as lucky draw prizes. Besides indulging the public, MICF will showcase cutting-edge chocolate-making machinery, cosmetics derived from cocoa butter and even live chocolate-making demonstrations and competitions. LKM Chairman Datuk Matbali Musah who is also Sipitang MP said they want to show that cocoa is more than just chocolate. 'It's a diverse product with potential in food, beauty, and health. The festival is also a platform to highlight government efforts to support cocoa farmers in Sabah. 'We are actively providing assistance for cocoa replanting and rehabilitation and committed to ensuring Sabah remains at the forefront of cocoa excellence,' he said, adding that strategic government support has proven to boost both yield and farmer incomes. * 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
