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Joins Forces with Malaysian Cocoa Board on Cocoa Sarawak Day
Kuching, October 2, 2023 – In line with its ongoing efforts to diversify and localise its ingredients supply through its Farmer Connect programme, Nestlé Malaysia Berhad and the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in the Nestlé Borneo Cocoa Initiative (NBCI). This collaboration will promote sustainable and responsible sourcing, as well as the adoption of Regenerative Agriculture practices by the farmers involved.
Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad and the Malaysian Cocoa Board inking a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in the Nestlé Borneo Cocoa Initiative, signed by [left] Yang Berusaha Datuk Dr. Ramle Haji Kasin, Director General of the Malaysian Cocoa Board; and [right] Mr. Juan Aranols, CEO, Nestlé Malaysia; and witnessed by [back row, 4th from right] YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and Minister of Plantation and Commodities; and [back row, 5th from right] Yang Berusaha Encik Abdul Hadi Bin Omar Deputy Secretary General (Strategic Planning and Management), Ministry of Plantation and Commodities. This is part of the global Nestlé Cocoa Plan Initiative established in 2009, with the aim of shaping a responsible cocoa supply chain that improves the livelihoods of the farming communities, eliminates child labour and provides a framework of transparency and traceability, while improving yields and quality of the crop.
This initiative marks the first expansion of Nestlé Malaysia’s Farmer Connect programme to East Malaysia. Indeed, as part of the implementation of the NBCI, the Company is launching its Nestlé Farmer Connect Responsible Cocoa Sourcing (NFCRS) programme in Sarawak. This programme will support local farmers in the adoption of Regenerative Agriculture practices that will help protect the soil, improve the yield and elevate over time the quality of the local cocoa production. Initially, the cocoa produced through this initiative will be used for the manufacturing of KIT KAT products in Chembong, Negeri Sembilan. The Chembong facility is the largest Nestlé Confectionery plant in ASEAN and a key export manufacturing hub.
As part of the partnership, Nestlé Malaysia will provide technical expertise and training to MCB and participating farmers, with a focus on adopting Regenerative Agriculture techniques such as agroforestry with compatible species such as palm oil or rubber trees, or intercropping with durian, petai or other commercially viable fruits and vegetables, creating also additional sources of income for the farmers. These Regenerative Agriculture techniques also contribute a diversified flow of nutrients into the soil protecting its long-term sustenance. The Company will also provide relevant tools and knowledge, as well as engage recognised external auditors that will support the verification process. With all these elements, MCB will conduct on-site farm assessments and disseminate best practices amongst local cocoa farmers. Additionally, MCB will support in establishing a robust traceability system to enhance supply chain transparency from farm to traders.
Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad, said, "We are thrilled to be joining hands with the MCB as we expand our Farmer Connect programmes to East Malaysia for the first time. We have been engaging with local chili, paddy and coffee farmers since 1985, 2011 and 2019, respectively. With this partnership in place, we will now be able to expand our effort to empower cocoa farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to cultivate cocoa sustainably. It is truly exciting times for Nestlé Malaysia, as we continue to ramp up our efforts to diversify and expand the availability of locally produced, responsibly sourced high-quality raw materials and ingredients for our products.”
YB Datuk Ramle Haji Kasin, Director General of the Malaysian Cocoa Board, added, "This MOU represents a major stride forward in our quest for sustainable cocoa farming. Nestlé Malaysia’s extensive experience and resources, coupled with our network and industry expertise, will undoubtedly create a positive impact on our local farmers and the environment. Together, we aim to establish a model that promotes economic growth through sustainable practices.”
The event also saw the attendance of YAB Dato' Sri Haji Fadillah Bin Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Ministry of Plantation and Commodities.
The signing of the MOU demonstrates the shared commitment of Nestlé Malaysia and MCB towards fostering greener agricultural practices and shaping a sustainable cocoa industry in Malaysia. Through this partnership, both entities are set to drive positive change while ensuring the prosperity of cocoa farmers and safeguarding the environment for future generations.
About Nestlé Malaysia
Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage manufacturer. Headquartered in Switzerland, Nestlé is present in more than 180 countries around the world, and our 270,000 employees are committed to Nestlé’s purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. Our performance is driven by our Nutrition, Health and Wellness strategy. Nourishing Malaysians since 1912, Nestlé has earned the trust of our consumers through our quality brands and products. We are committed to improving the lives of the communities in which we operate, whilst maintaining our Halal excellence and integrity.
This is in line with our promise of delivering GOOD FOOD, GOOD LIFE to all. To learn more about how we have been nourishing Malaysians for over a century, do visit www.nestle.com.my or our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Nestle.Malaysia.
For more information, please contact:
Shaheen Zaffar
Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad
Tel: (+603) 7965 6456
E-mail: [email protected]
Shahida Irawan or Yasmin Kadir
acorn communications
Tel: (+603) 7958 8348
E-mail: [email protected]