KAJANG: Malaysia’s cocoa industry has recorded an impressive total export revenue of RM8.87 billion as of August 2024, achieving 98 percent of the RM9 billion target set for the year, Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin announced. The robust performance is primarily due to significant contributions from semi-finished cocoa products, including cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and chocolate products, he noted during a press conference.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this achievement highlights the continued importance of the cocoa commodity as a driver of Malaysia’s economic growth, making a substantial contribution to the national gross domestic product. The high revenue is bolstered by a surge in interest from cocoa farmers and plantations, driven by cocoa bean prices that have tripled to between RM18 and RM23 per kilogram. The demand for cocoa beans continues to rise, prompting the ministry to launch initiatives through the Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM) to enhance local bean producti
on. Efforts include revitalizing cocoa farms, establishing new cocoa planting areas, and employing modern technology for farm management.

The announcement was made at the launch event for ‘Single Estate Kota Marudu Chocolate’ by Benns Ethicoa Chocolate Factory Sdn Bhd, near Kajang. Benns Ethicoa has partnered with LKM to source cocoa beans from a local Sabahan farmer, Poimon Dangkat, who cultivates a two-hectare cocoa farm in Kota Marudu. Chan praised the efforts of local chocolatiers in producing high-quality, single-source beans, aligning with Malaysia’s aim to be a premium beans and chocolate producer.

Chan emphasized the importance of LKM’s role in building a supply network that connects cocoa bean producers with users. He encouraged further expansion of this initiative, particularly involving private companies like Benns, to support cocoa farmers and fortify the national cocoa industry’s development.