7 days ago
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.
