Export value of Malaysia’s chocolate rises to RM650 mln for Jan-Aug 2021 - Zuraida
30/10/2021 05:42 PM
NILAI, Oct 30 -- The export value of Malaysia's chocolate jumped 11.0 per cent to RM650 million for the period of January-August this year compared to RM585 million in the same period last year.
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin said despite the world being ravaged by COVID-19 that slightly hampered economic growth, the value of the country's income from commodities, including cocoa products, was still increasing.
She said despite producing only RM7 billion worth of cocoa products, Malaysia was still able to produce them in large quantities as the global cocoa market was valued at RM120 billion.
“We hope we can achieve more, as Malaysia is a strategic country where we can produce more cocoa products. Hence, I’ve asked the Malaysian Cocoa Board to focus on products that can be marketed abroad.
"The potential of the cocoa market is huge and we have identified small-time entrepreneurs to be grouped as a support system for chocolate companies in the quest to increase national income," he told reporters after visiting the Cocoa Innovation and Technology Centre here today.
Zuraida said among the countries that exported the country’s chocolate were China, Korea and Indonesia, reflecting confidence in the quality of chocolate produced by Malaysian entrepreneurs was comparable to international standardx.
Meanwhile, she said so far 6,000 hectares were under cocoa cultivation in Malaysia, including in Sabah and Sarawak, which have 5,000 smallholders.
On Malaysia's decision to accept 32,000 foreign workers for the oil palm plantation sector, Zuraida said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indonesia during his visit there on Nov 10.
"Indonesia has 5,000 workers on standby and after the MoU is signed, the 5,000 workers will enter (the country) in phases and I hope by Nov 15, we will be able to bring them in," he said.
Commenting on Budget 2022, she said the allocation of RM2.5 billion for the commodity development programme showed the country's concern in strengthening the development of rural communities and improving their living standards.
"This is because commodities play an important role in generating national income. So, some emphasis should be given to enable us to carry out activities to increase national income. It is also in line with the ministry's direction in raising awareness of commodity products both locally and abroad," she said. .
Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, when presenting Budget 2022 yesterday, said an allocation of RM2.5 billion would be set aside with RM1.3 billion of the amount given to Felda involving rehabilitation packages and settlers’ development.
In addition, RM495 millioni would be allocated to Felcra participants and RM699 million for the development of smallholders for the rubber industry under Risda.
-- BERNAMA
#BUROSupportsLocal: 7 Made-in-Malaysia artisan chocolate brands to check out for your next indulgence
Chocolicious
Put your hands up if you're a lover of all things chocolate! Did you know that Malaysia has a plethora of chocolate makers that specialise in quality and unique cacao creations? In fact, many of them utilise cacao beans grown right here in the country.
Homegrown artisan chocolate makers join the list of many made-in-Malaysia brands that we are (and should be) proud of—from kombucha to scented candles to skincare masks. After all, why not support local industries?
1. Cocova
Offering all natural and high quality single origin cocoa products, Cocova bean to bar chocolates are 100 per cent natural, vegan, and gluten free. In addition to the new limited edition Playful Peca flavour (buttery roasted pecans coated in a layer of Curious 68 per cent dark chocolate—created using cacao beans from Melaka), the brand's portfolio of products include Happy 65 per cent Dark Chocolate Buttons (made from single origin cacao beans ethically sourced from Vietnam) and Dreamy 72 per cent Dark Chocolate Buttons (made from single origin cacao beans sourced from India). Cocova also has chocolate drinks and chocolate-coated nuts.
2. Chocolate Concierge
Making single-origin, artisan chocolates out of the cacao they grow themselves, Chocolate Concierge is a small batch tree to bar chocolate maker. Founded by Ning, flavours at Chocolate Concierge are uniquely Malaysian. Some of their most popular creations are chocolate bars and bon bone. The former includes concoctions such as Semai 65 per cent with Nibs, Batang Kali 70 percent, and Damak 72 per cent. Fillings for bon bons include Sweet Laksa, Onde Onde, Teh Tarik, and Creamy Coconut. Based in Bangsar Shopping Centre, Chocolate Concierge products can also be found in many restaurants in KL.
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3. Benns Ethicoa
Founded in 1973, this is one of Malaysia's longest-running homegrown chocolate brands. Benns Ethicoa works directly with farmers from selected farms such as Lampang in Thailand, Vung Tau in Vietnam, Calinan in the Philippines, Anaimalai in India, and Sungai Ruan in Pahang, Malaysia. Promoting ethical cacao farming and built with sustainability in mind, the chocolate maker—with its own chocolate factory and cafe in Cheras—aims to highlight quality and fairness.
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4. Seniman Kakao
Handcrafted in Kuala Lumpur, expect Seniman Kakao's chocolate products to have their own unique character and distinguish flavour notes. Founded in 2015, the team behind Seniman Kakao roasts, cracks, winnows, grinds, conches, and tempers the cacao beans in small batches in their own micro roastery. You will find chocolate bars made with cacao beans from Melaka, Pahang, and Perak.
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5. Love18
Since opening in 2012, the Malaysian chocolate maker has cemented a reputation as one of the more prominent homegrown brands around with outlets throughout Malaysia. Love18's First Love collection comprises of ganache made using Belgian and French premium chocolate and quality ingredients.
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6. Cocoraw
Founded by Michael Woo and Lee See Pin, the Malaysian brand is known for its nama style chocolates. Chocolate truffles are handmade fresh and infused with local flair—including Teh Tarik and Gula Melaka. Their namesake dark chocolate truffles are made with 70 per cent Belgian dark chocolates whereas The Vegan consists of extra virgin coconut oil and nut-based milk.
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7. Jugèlìk Artisanal
The new chocolate maker offers handcraft artisanal chocolate that you can customise according to your preference. The brand utilises all natural fresh tropical fruits that are freeze dried to accompany high quality dark chocolates. Think pineapple, banana, mango, rambutan, and jackfruit.
Bars include flavours such as Dark 74 Per Cent Almond Nibs and Salt; Dark 61 Per Cent Almond Nibs and Freeze Dried Mangosteen; as well as Dark 61 Per Cent Almond Nibs and Curry. You can also pick from 24 different sleeve options. To order, all you have to do is check out the order form on their Instagram page and send them a message.
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