Nestlé Malaysia brought the rich heritage of Malaysian cocoa to the global stage at the recent Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025, held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. As the Platinum Sponsor, Nestlé celebrated its cocoa journey, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and innovation in cocoa-based products, including KitKat® Dark Borneo – a single-origin chocolate made exclusively with cocoa beans from Sabah and Sarawak. As part of this journey, Nestlé aims to source 10,000 metric tonnes of cocoa from local Malaysian farms by 2034, in an effort to revitalise Malaysia’s cocoa farming industry.
At the heart of this showcase was Nestlé’s partnership with the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB), which has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Malaysian cocoa. Through the Nestlé Borneo Cocoa Initiative (NBCI) launched in 2023, Nestlé has expanded its Farmer Connect program to East Malaysia, equipping local farmers with improved cultivation methods. NBCI promotes regenerative farming through agroforestry, intercropping and soil health management, enhancing yields and boosting farm resilience while protecting the natural ecosystem.
Nestlé Malaysia’s commitment to ethical sourcing, halal-certified production and long-term sustainability extends across its cocoa supply chain. KitKat® Dark Borneo, developed under this partnership, reflects Malaysia’s expertise in cocoa cultivation, crafted with locally grown beans that embody the country’s deep-rooted traditions.
“With exports reaching RM15 billion in 2024, Malaysia’s cocoa processing sector continues to expand, primarily supported by imported cocoa beans. Local cocoa production, however, remains largely untapped, presenting significant opportunities – not only for industry growth but also for enhancing the livelihoods of farming communities, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, where conditions are ideal for cultivating high-quality cocoa. Nestlé Malaysia is fully committed to working alongside local stakeholders to expand cocoa farming while upholding the highest standards of sustainability, traceability and human rights compliance. We are excited to transform the dedication of North Borneo’s farmers into innovative products that bring joy to Malaysians and our consumers worldwide, just as we have with KitKat® Dark Borneo – now introduced in a special ice cream edition that celebrates Malaysia’s cocoa heritage and promising future,” said Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia.
Crafted with 100% responsibly sourced cocoa beans grown in the lush volcanic soil and tropical climate of Sabah and Sarawak, the KitKat® Dark Borneo is a single-origin chocolate that truly reflects Malaysia’s rich heritage in cocoa craftsmanship. It delivers a perfectly balanced flavour – not too bitter, not too sweet – as a result of the careful fermentation and sun-drying methods used for the cocoa beans. KitKat® Dark Borneo has also been honoured with the NielsenIQ (NIQ) BASES Breakthrough Innovation Award 2024, a recognition that highlights both the success of the product and the growing appreciation for single-origin chocolate among consumers.
“KitKat® has always been about indulgence and joy. With KitKat® Dark Borneo, we set out to create something that truly honours our roots. Made with 52% cocoa, it is carefully crafted to achieve a harmonious blend of bold richness and smooth texture – offering a distinctive taste that celebrates the essence of Malaysian cocoa and the dedication of farmers in Sabah and Sarawak. As we continue to innovate, we are expanding our use of local cocoa into other categories, and one such innovation is the launch of KitKat® Dark Borneo Ice Cream, featuring our signature wafer ice cream, coated in dark chocolate made from Borneo cocoa and topped with crushed KitKat® wafer bits,” said Carlota Casellas, Business Executive Officer of Nestlé Confectionery.
All KitKat® Dark products are proudly produced at Nestlé’s Halal-certified Chembong Industrial Complex in Negeri Sembilan, one of the largest Nestlé confectionery and Ice Cream plants in Asia. This facility serves as a pivotal export manufacturing hub, supplying Halal KitKat® products to ASEAN markets and other global destinations. The factory has implemented significant sustainability initiatives, including the introduction of a biomass boiler that operates using renewable energy sources such as oil palm empty fruit bunches and palm kernel shells, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing Nestlé’s goal of carbon-neutral manufacturing.
For more information, please visit https://www.nestle.com.my/brands/confectionery, FB at https://www.facebook.com/KitKatMalaysia and IG at www.instagram.com/KitKatMalaysia