KUALA LUMPUR: Volatility in cocoa supply, which the industry has been experiencing for the past two years, is tapering off, improving since the second quarter of this year.
Barry Callebaut Group’s managing director for Southeast Asia, Ciptadi Sukono, said Malaysia’s cocoa production is showing a 20% growth to 90 metric tons from last year.
“We see domestic cocoa consumption is also improving to 90 metric tons, a growth of 7%, and we are seeing continuous improvements.
“Furthermore, we are also prepared for any future shocks in the sector,” he told reporters during at the launch of Barry Callebaut Masters of Taste today.
Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa solutions, commemorated more than 35 years of chocolate and cocoa heritage in Malaysia , bringing together close to 1,000 customers and industry partners to share its Masters of Taste vision and reaffirm its long-term commitment to supporting the growth of the country’s chocolate and cocoa industry.
Sukono said Malaysia has been an important part of Barry Callebaut’s growth story for decades.
The company’s Malaysian journey began in 2008 with the acquisition of a majority stake in KLK Cocoa, one of Asia’s leading cocoa and chocolate manufacturers with roots dating back to 1990. The acquisition established Barry Callebaut Malaysia and laid the foundation for the company’s subsequent growth and expansion in the country.
“Barry Callebaut continues to contribute to the growth of Malaysia’s cocoa and chocolate industry, supporting customers and building industry capabilities. As consumer demand for chocolate continues to grow and diversify, we remain confident in Malaysia’s long-term potential,” Sukono said.
The evolving chocolate consumer trends in the industry and consumer preferences across the country’s chocolate and confectionery market continue to support a positive growth outlook for Malaysia, he said.
While annual chocolate confectionery consumption stands at around 0.4kg per person, and the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 7% through 2031, these figures represent only part of the opportunity.
“Beyond traditional confectionery such as chocolate bars and snacks, chocolate is increasingly being enjoyed across a wider range of applications, including beverages, desserts, bakery, ice cream, gifting, and premium dining experiences.
“This expanding role of chocolate is being driven by consumers’ growing appetite for more indulgent, premium, and experiential offerings.
“As demand continues to rise across adjacent categories such as bakery, beverages, desserts, and food service applications, the growth potential for chocolate extends well beyond traditional confectionery,” Sukono said.
Barry Callebaut continues to broaden its portfolio beyond traditional chocolate and cocoa products, offering a wide range of solutions including the Callebaut Signature range, Van Houten Professional cocoa and chocolate solutions, as well as coatings, fillings, and decorations.
To ensure these solutions are more accessible to customers across Malaysia, the company has also evolved its go-to-market strategy to strengthen customer proximity and market reach.
Barry Callebaut has also expanded its distribution model from a single distributor to a network of seven distribution partners across the country, significantly increasing its reach and enabling the company to serve a broader customer base, including well-known Malaysian brands such as Texture by C3 Lab, Enchante and Artigusto Gelato.
Today, Barry Callebaut employs more than 400 people in Malaysia, operating a cocoa processing site in Pasir Gudang, Johor, alongside one of the largest cocoa bean warehouses in Asia-Pacific, which is managed in partnership with global logistics provider Maersk, and a global business services centre in Petaling Jaya.
“Barry Callebaut is proud to contribute to the growth of Malaysia’s cocoa and chocolate industry, supporting customers and building industry capabilities.
“What started with a strong cocoa manufacturing heritage has evolved into a strategic hub that today supports the company’s operations across the region.
As consumer demand for chocolate continues to grow and diversify, we remain confident in Malaysia’s long-term potential,” Sukono said.
