MICF2025: Crowds throng to soft launching

25 May 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), marks a significant milestone for Malaysia’s developing cocoa industry. Organised by the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB), the event highlights the nation’s strategic efforts to elevate its position within the global cocoa and chocolate markets, with a focus on economic growth and industry innovation.

MCB announced a significant boost for the country’s cocoa sector at the soft launch of MICF 2025, highlighted by a successful business matching and international sourcing programme worth RM 2.27 million in potential deals.

Speaking at the soft launch of the MICF2025, its Chairman Datuk Matbali Musah underscored the event’s role as a vital platform for industry growth, innovation, and global collaboration. “This event is not merely a celebration of cocoa; it is a strategic initiative to transform cocoa from a commodity into a catalyst for prosperity,” he said.

The MICF, held from 24 to 27 May, is designed to connect industry players both locally and internationally. It features a range of activities including business talks, exhibitor booths representing international cocoa producers, local artisans, and technology providers, as well as networking opportunities aimed at fostering future collaborations.

One of the event’s highlights is the business matching programme, which brought together 17 international buyers and 20 Malaysian companies. In addition, a virtual international sourcing programme (INSP) was conducted earlier in May, engaging 10 international buyers, further expanding the industry’s reach.

“The success of these initiatives demonstrates our commitment to opening new markets and creating sustainable business opportunities,” said Matbali. “The RM 2.27 million worth of potential deals is a promising start, and we are confident that these connections will translate into tangible growth for our industry.”

The Malaysian Cocoa Board expressed gratitude to MATRADE for their collaboration, which was instrumental in the success of the business matching and sourcing programmes.

In the welcoming speech by Datuk Dr. Ramle Kasin, Director General of MCB and Chair of the MICF2025 Organising Committee, he emphasised the event’s role in fostering economic opportunities. “MICF 2025 is not merely a celebration of cocoa; it is a platform to stimulate innovation, connect markets, and empower communities,” he stated.

“This event aims to act as a catalyst for industry growth, uplift livelihoods, and position Malaysia, particularly Sabah, as a prominent player in the global cocoa economy.”

The four-day event, running from 24th to 27th May, features over 150 booths representing 116 companies from around the world, including key players from China, Switzerland, Italy, France, Ukraine, Thailand, Indonesia, Colombia, Nigeria, and Singapore. Exhibitors showcase a diverse array of products and services, from bean-to-bar chocolates and handmade confections to cocoa ingredients, agricultural inputs, and equipment.

According to him, MICF 2025 is designed to promote market expansion and investment opportunities. The international participation reflects Malaysia’s strategic ambition to attract foreign direct investment and foster partnerships that can enhance local cocoa production, processing, and export capabilities. With the presence of major industry players such as Guan Chong Cocoa Manufacturers, Nestlé Malaysia, and Overseas Supply Trading, the fair underscores the sector’s growth potential.

The event also features the Malaysian International Cocoa Exhibition (MICE) 2025, alongside a conference and a Cocoa Gala Dinner, which provide platforms for knowledge exchange and networking among stakeholders, from smallholder farmers to multinational corporations.

“This gathering offers an opportunity for local farmers and entrepreneurs to integrate into the global supply chain, unlocking new revenue streams and economic resilience,” said Dr. Ramle.

Support from government agencies such as the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, Sabah State Government, and Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) demonstrates the strategic backing aimed at positioning Malaysia as a competitive cocoa hub. The event has secured significant sponsorship, including diamond support from Guan Chong and platinum partnerships with Nestlé and Overseas Supply Trading.

MICF 2025 as a crucial step in Malaysia’s economic diversification strategy, leveraging cocoa as a high-value commodity. As the industry seeks to address challenges such as fluctuating global prices and supply chain disruptions, the fair aims to stimulate local innovation, promote sustainable practices, and attract investment.

Concluding his speech, Dr. Ramle highlighted that the true value of cocoa lies in the people behind it.

“While cocoa grows from the soil, its true worth is cultivated through people, the hands that plant, the minds that innovate, and the hearts that believe in its future,” he said.

“Let this event serve as the launchpad for a cocoa renaissance that uplifts livelihoods, strengthens our economy, and positions Malaysia on the map as a world-class cocoa industry hub.”