KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 — Malaysia’s cocoa industry is seeing signs of recovery, with cocoa grinding rising 29 per cent year-on-year to 90,849 tonnes in the second quarter of 2026, despite supply and price volatility over the past two years, said chocolate firm Barry Callebaut.
According to the Cocoa Association of Asia and Malaysian Cocoa Board, the grinding in Malaysia in the second quarter of 2026 accounted for approximately 40 per cent of total cocoa grindings in Asia.
Barry Callebaut South-east Asia managing director Ciptadi Sukono said that amid geopolitical tensions and the war in West Asia, the Zurich-based chocolate and cocoa manufacturer had experienced volatility in cocoa supply and prices, but the cocoa industry is now showing significant signs of improvement.
“The consumption of cocoa starts to increase again when the price starts to ease a little. Hopefully as an industry we are much more prepared in the future if things like that happen again.
“We see that the growing consumption of cocoa is increasing again,” he told a press conference at Barry Callebaut’s Masters of Taste 2026 here today.
Commenting on the industry growth in Malaysia, Ciptadi said the company’s market presence has evolved through its distribution model, from a single distributor to a network of seven distribution partners across the country, significantly increasing its reach and enabling it to serve a broader customer base.
“Malaysia is among the best growing countries in Asean, together with Vietnam, over the past few years.
“Its currency has performed strongly, significantly improving its buying power, so I think that also fuel growth,” he said.
Ciptadi elaborated on the shifting consumer preferences within the nation’s chocolate and confectionery sector, stating that the market is projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate exceeding seven per cent through 2031.
“Malaysia boasts a robust culinary culture that significantly contributes to its growth in the food sector. The rising penetration of chocolate products is poised to drive further expansion in this market.
“Moreover, the creativity exhibited by industry players in transforming cocoa raw materials into innovative offerings aligns with global trends and effectively localises these developments within Malaysia,” he said.
To date, 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, as well as a Global Business Services Centre in Petaling Jaya. — Bernama