Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin hopes to place Malaysia as Asia’s premier cocoa hub through the revival of the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) after a decade-long hiatus.
The MICF 2025 themed “MyCocoa Delight: Indulge, Meet and Connect”, scheduled to be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre from May 24 – 27, is the first time the fair will be held outside Kuala Lumpur.
“The MICF is not your typical food fair but rather aims to connect our cocoa supply chain both domestically and internationally,” Chan told reporters after officiating MICF’s pre-launch ceremony at the Hilton Kota Kinabalu, here, Monday.
“We have the ambition to make Malaysia and especially Sabah a cocoa hub for Asia,” he said.
He said the timing of this initiative coincides with record-high cocoa prices currently standing at RM46, 000 per ton.
“This figure is considerably higher than other commodity crops like palm oil. The current Crude Palm Oil price is only RM5, 000 per ton, while the fresh fruit bunches is RM1, 200 to RM1, 400,” he said.
He said the price surge coupled with global supply challenges in major producing countries like Ivory Coast and Ghana provides Malaysia with a unique opportunity to revive its cocoa sector.
“Malaysia’s cocoa industry has seen considerable changes over the years. From its peak of 240,000 hectares of cocoa plantations, the current cultivation area has decreased to just 6,000 hectares, producing less than 500 tons of cocoa beans annually.
“However, Sabah remains the country’s primary cocoa producer, contributing 60 per cent of the nation’s total cocoa production,” he said.
He noted that with more than 10 chocolate producers in Kota Kinabalu alone and the city’s position as a major tourist destination, the local chocolate industry in Sabah continues to thrive.
“This existing downstream strength, combined with efforts to revitalise upstream production, positions Malaysia well in our bid to become Asia’s cocoa hub,” he said.
He also said the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) has been instrumental in developing community-based initiatives through cooperatives, strengthening the economic foundation for smallholder farmers.
“The 2025 MICF will feature Malaysia’s excellence in cocoa technology and innovation across the entire supply chain,” he said.
Additionally, he said the event has garnered support from key international organisations, including the International Cocoa Organisation, Cocoa Association of Asia and Asean Cocoa Club.
The timing of MICF 2025 coincides with Sabah’s Harvest Festival offering participants an opportunity to experience local culture while engaging with the cocoa industry.
Meanwhile, MCB Director-General Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin said the MICF 2025 will feature three main events, namely the Malaysian International Cocoa Conference, Malaysian International Cocoa Exhibition and the Malaysian International Cocoa Dinner.
“We expect to attract over 1,000 conference participants and 25,000 visitors and traders,” he said.
On the bean-to-bar concept and how the MCB’s research and development work has been recognised, Ramle said Malaysia’s strength in cocoa research and development is noteworthy.
“We have developed more than 52 premium cocoa clones over 40 years of research, producing beans that are recognised globally for their quality.
“Our bean-to-bar concept has gained international recognition and shows our nation’s expertise throughout the cocoa supply chain.
“Malaysia is a country that is included in the list of cocoa bean producers with the bean-to-bar concept.
“Our research is ongoing with support from the Ministry, we continue to excel in our cocoa product.
“Every cocoa beans is almost the same however what makes it different is the way it is processed, from the way it is fermented, stored and handled. But when it comes to cocoa clones, Malaysia has one of the best in the world,” he said.
It is understood that a bean-to-bar showcase is being development in Ranau and is currently at 80 per cent completion.
