The Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) reported a new high in Malaysia’s exports of Cocoa and chocolate products, which reached RM6.9 billion (circa USD$1.57 billion) last year in 2021, up from RM4.2 billion (circa USD$950 million) in 2010.
This figure represents the combined total for the exports of Cocoa beans, Cocoa shells and husks (raw & roasted), Cocoa paste, Cocoa butter, Cocoa powder and chocolate.
At the Sabah Cocoa Festival 2022, MCB’s director-general Dr Ramle Kasin said he believes the rise is partly due to the increase in chocolate consumption in Asia-Pacific countries. In the period between 2010 and 2021, the per capita chocolate consumption rate across Asia-Pacific nations rose from 0.15kg to 0.2kg.
Dr Kasin said he anticipated new growth for the Cocoa industry, as the Cocoa festival would promote locally produced chocolate and encourage the expansion of the domestic marketing network. As a result, the market size and variety of Cocoa products available are expected to increase, alongside the revenue generated from the sector.
According to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Sabah accounts for 59% of Malaysia’s Cocoa bean production, the equivalent of 540 tonnes. Last year, Sabah exported RM16.16 million (circa USD$3.67 million) in Cocoa and Cocoa products, RM7.72 million (circa USD$1.75 million) of which was from chocolate.
There are five districts which are active Cocoa cultivation areas in Sabah, namely Ranau, Kota Marudu, Tenom, Kota Belud and Tambunan… The state government would then consider helping local entrepreneurs by expanding Cocoa cultivation areas for those looking to farm Cocoa within the state. “Last year, the sales value recorded by chocolate entrepreneurs in Sabah amounted to RM137,487 (USD$31,233). I hope they will double their efforts so that there will be more downstream Cocoa product entrepreneurs in Sabah.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor
Sabah’s Cocoa bean production largely contributes to the demand for premium Cocoa beans by single-origin and craft chocolate makers in the country.
I have been informed that the Sabah downstream Cocoa industry currently comprises five chocolate and Cocoa confectionery or Cocoa-based food companies as well as 32 local chocolate entrepreneurs
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor
The chief minister added that the Cocoa industry has strategies in place to remain competitive and strong, and is aligned with the long-term objective to increase the industry’s economic value and contribution to the country’s revenue.
