Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia’s cocoa industry has seen a surge in international demand, with export values hitting a record RM15.06 billion last year, three times that of the previous year.
This growth is largely attributed to the quality of Malaysian cocoa products and strong international demand, with key markets including Singapore, the United States, Japan and other Asian countries, says the Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM).
Its Director-General Datuk Ramle Kasin said last year’s export figure was RM6.86 billion or 83.66pc more than the RM8.2 billion recorded in 2023.
“This spike in exports is also supported by a significant rise in cocoa prices, which have more than tripled from RM8,000 per tonne in 2023 to between RM20,000 and RM35,000 per tonne this year,” he told reporters at an LKM event here.
He added that the demand was driven by a combination of factors, including high-quality cocoa production, modern processing technologies, effective marketing strategies and a skilled workforce.
He said Sabah, in particular, played a pivotal role in this success, accounting for over 60pc of the nation’s cocoa output.
The State boasts around 3,000 cocoa farmers across 3,000 hectares, particularly in regions such as Ranau, Tenom, Kota Marudu, Keningau and Kuamut.
Despite fluctuating market prices, the cocoa industry in Malaysia remains profitable, with prices holding steady at around RM20 per kg.
However, he said, the industry faces challenges from unpredictable weather, which could potentially disrupt crop yields.
To mitigate these risks, LKM is implementing a variety of research and development (R&D) initiatives, including the use of suitable fertilisers and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled fertigation (applying fertilisers through irrigation) technology to reduce reliance on manual labour and improve crop yields.
Looking ahead, he said the upcoming Malaysia International Cocoa Festival (MICF) in Sabah is set to further elevate the state’s profile as a key player in the global cocoa industry.
The event, scheduled for May, will attract participants from across Europe, Japan and Asia, providing a platform to promote Malaysian cocoa and foster collaborations with international industry players.
The festival is expected to showcase the latest innovations, products, technologies and market opportunities within the cocoa sector.
LKM Chairman Datuk Matbali Musah expressed gratitude to the Sabah Government and the federal Plantation and Commodities Ministry for their support in funding the event.
“The MICF will be an important milestone in positioning Sabah as a global hub for the cocoa industry,” he said.
He said as the country’s cocoa exports continue to thrive, Malaysia’s ability to maintain a competitive edge in the global market rests on its commitment to quality, innovation and sustainable growth in the sector.
