Latest news with #NestléMalaysia
Daily Express
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah's cocoa in KitKat
Published on: Wednesday, June 04, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 04, 2025 Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: Nestlé Malaysia is transforming Sabah's rich cocoa farming heritage into world-class confectionery products, with the company's latest innovation, KitKat® Dark Borneo, leading the charge in revitalising the State's cocoa industry. The single-origin chocolate, crafted exclusively from cocoa beans grown in Sabah and Sarawak, represents a significant milestone in bringing North Borneo's agricultural dedication to global markets. '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,' said Nestlé Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Juan Aranols. Crafted with 100 per cent responsibly sourced cocoa beans grown in the lush volcanic soil and tropical climate of Sabah and Sarawak, the KitKat® Dark Borneo is a single-origin chocolate that truly reflects Malaysia's rich heritage in cocoa craftsmanship. It delivers a perfectly balanced flavour, not too bitter, not too sweet, as a result of the careful fermentation and sun-drying methods used for the cocoa beans. KitKat® Dark Borneo has also been honoured with the NielsenIQ (NIQ) BASES Breakthrough Innovation Award 2024, a recognition that highlights both the success of the product and the growing appreciation for single-origin chocolate among consumers. The product represents more than just confectionery innovation, it embodies Nestlé's ambitious plan to source 10,000 metric tonnes of cocoa from local Malaysian farms by 2034. This initiative aims to revitalise Malaysia's cocoa farming industry, particularly benefiting communities in Sabah and Sarawak where ideal growing conditions exist. Through the Nestlé Borneo Cocoa Initiative launched in 2023, the company has partnered with the Malaysian Cocoa Board to expand its Farmer Connect program to East Malaysia. The initiative focuses on regenerative farming practices including agroforestry, intercropping, and soil health management to enhance yields while protecting natural ecosystems. The 52 per cent cocoa content chocolate is manufactured at Nestlé's Halal-certified Chembong Industrial Complex in Negeri Sembilan, one of Asia's largest confectionery and ice cream plants. The facility serves as a crucial export hub, supplying Halal KitKat® products to Asean markets and beyond while implementing significant sustainability measures, including biomass boilers powered by renewable energy sources. With Malaysia's cocoa processing sector generating RM15 billion in exports in 2024, primarily through imported beans, the KitKat® Dark Borneo initiative represents a strategic shift toward developing local cocoa production capabilities. The success of this single-origin chocolate, now expanded into an ice cream variant, demonstrates the potential for Malaysian cocoa to compete on the global stage while supporting local farming communities. * 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
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.
New Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
HLIB:Nestlé Malaysia faces ongoing challenges despite strong quarterly Rebound
KUALA LUMPUR: Nestlé (Malaysia) Bhd's performance remained subdued amid domestic headwinds, with lingering boycott-related sentiment expected to continue weighing on its recovery, according to Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB Research). This comes despite Nestlé Malaysia recording a strong quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) rebound in its first-quarter 2025 earnings, driven by festive-season demand and the full impact of earlier price adjustments. HLIB Research noted that Nestlé Malaysia is managing rising commodity costs through a consistent emphasis on operational efficiency, cost-saving initiatives and increased digitalisation. While acknowledging the ongoing volatility in input costs, the company remains committed to minimising further price increases this year, in light of subdued consumer sentiment and the strategic need to preserve market competitiveness. Despite resilient sales momentum post-Ramadhan and Hari Raya, the firm remains cautious, noting that overall sales are likely to remain under pressure due to persistent negative sentiment from the ongoing boycott and are unlikely to return to pre-boycott levels in the near term. "On the export side, management clarified that the majority of Nestlé Malaysia's exports are directed towards Asean and Oceania, with no direct exposure to the US market. "Consequently, the group expects negligible impact from the US-imposed tariffs," HLIB Research added. The firm kept its "hold" call on Nestlé Malaysia with an unchanged target price of RM78. Keywords: Us Malaysia Nestle Hong Leong Hlib Research Related Articles Corporate Apr 28, 2025 @ 9:57pm CIMB: Nestlé Malaysia's earnings expected to weaken amid margin pressures Corporate Feb 23, 2025 @ 10:11pm Oriental Kopi is on a growth trajectory Corporate Feb 25, 2025 @ 9:37pm Nestle's sales recovery from Israel-Gaza sentiment expected to take time Corporate Jan 20, 2025 @ 10:11pm HLIB: Press Metal's smelting margins could tighten in Q4 amid alumina supply shortage
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.
