MICF 2025: First ever held In Kota Kinabalu

20 May 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) is now in the final stages of preparations to organise the Malaysian International Cocoa Festival (MICF) 2025, an international event which will be held for the very first time in Sabah. The festival will take place from 24 to 27 May 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu, operating daily from 10am to 9pm. Admission is FREE.

According to the Director-General of the Malaysian Cocoa Board, Datuk Dr. Ramle Kasin, the main objective of MICF 2025 is to elevate the Malaysian cocoa industry to a higher level as a key contributor to the country’s production and economy.

“We aim for the Malaysian Cocoa Board to transform into an organisation with outstanding performance and global competitiveness, as the main driver of progress across the entire cocoa supply chain, from upstream to downstream. Our target is to maintain the industry’s contribution to the national economy at around RM15 billion, especially with the positive market outlook for cocoa prices at present, supported by increased productivity, dynamic innovation, and strategic research and development (R&D) adaptation,” he said.

The MCB also highlights its role as a recognised leader in research and development on the international stage, particularly in the research of premium cocoa beans and cocoa-based health and cosmetic products that are now capable of competing in high-value global markets.

MICF 2025 is expected to serve as an excellent platform to boost the profile of Malaysian cocoa on the world stage.

Key highlights of MICF 2025 include:

* An International Cocoa & Chocolate Exhibition featuring over 150 local and international exhibitors

* The Cocoa Conference (MICC), with expected attendance reaching 1,000 participants from both within Malaysia and abroad

* The Cocoa Industry Dinner (MICD) to facilitate networking and business collaborations

* Educational and family activities, including “bean-to-bar” demonstrations and chocolate-making workshops

* Performances by popular local artist Faizal Tahir

* Lucky draws with main prizes including a car, two ATVs, and a motorcycle – along with over 150 other prizes

* The Cocoa Fitness Run (Choco Rush)

The organisation of MICF 2025 also receives full support from the Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, and the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, alongside key players in the cocoa industry and strategic partners who play vital roles in ensuring the success of this event.

Sabah has been identified as a strategic location, as the state accounts for over 60% of Malaysia’s cocoa production, aligning MICF 2025 with the aspiration to make Malaysia a regional cocoa hub in Asia. All Malaysians, especially Sabah residents, are invited to attend and celebrate this event with their families, to gain a closer understanding of the country’s cocoa industry – from plantations to world-class products.