Sweet ambitions: Sarawak’s cocoa beans could power Malaysia’s next chocolate boom

Sarawak could help strengthen Malaysia’s cocoa industry through expanded cultivation and higher-value chocolate production, reducing the country’s reliance on imported dried cocoa beans. — AFP file pic

First Published: Saturday, 17 Oct 2026 5:33 PM MYT

MELAKA, Oct 17 — Sarawak could strengthen the country’s cocoa industry by expanding cultivation areas and producing higher-value chocolate products, helping narrow the supply gap in dried cocoa beans, which currently relies heavily on imports, over the next two to three years.

Malaysian Cocoa Board acting director-general Shari Fuddin Sha’ari said expanding cocoa cultivation in Sarawak, alongside Sabah, the country’s main cocoa-producing state, could increase local raw material supplies once newly planted trees begin bearing fruit.

He said the industry’s expansion should also be matched by stronger downstream activities so farmers don’t have to rely solely on selling dried cocoa beans and can process them into higher-value chocolate products.

“We see considerable potential throughout the cocoa industry value chain.

“Dried cocoa beans can be turned into chocolate products, and we can bring the processing technology to interested farmers and entrepreneurs,” he told reporters at the launch of ‘A Malaysian Cocoa Affair 2026’ event here today, officiated by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad.

Shari Fuddin said the Malaysian Cocoa Board was also pioneering chocolate production using Sarawak cocoa beans through a single-origin approach, with dried beans from four locations processed at a cluster cooperative research centre in Kota Samarahan.

“Cocoa beans from different locations have distinct flavour and aroma profiles influenced by factors such as growing areas and processing methods, creating opportunities to produce chocolates with their own unique identities.

“These characteristics can be used by entrepreneurs to develop various chocolate formulations, including blends of local cocoa beans with ingredients such as gula Melaka,” he said.

He said the approach could also attract more entrepreneurs, particularly young people, to the cocoa industry by focusing on innovation, product development and marketing.

Shari Fuddin said farmers remained interested in cocoa cultivation, with some applying for assistance to start or expand their plantations.

He added that allocations under the latest Malaysia Plan (MP) also supported efforts to expand cocoa-growing areas, providing further opportunities for the industry to grow.

“We hope increased local production will help narrow the supply gap for dried cocoa beans from overseas. This will also create greater economic opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs through the production of downstream products,” he said. — Bernama