KOTA KINABALU: 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.
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“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.
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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.
