Product News: Benns Ethicoa Introduces 68% Kota Marudu Dark Chocolate
Malaysian chocolate brand Benns Ethicoa has unveiled its latest creation, a 68% Kota Marudu Dark Chocolate. Crafted from cacao sourced exclusively from Kota Marudu, Sabah, this premium single-origin chocolate not only highlights the unique flavor profile of the region but also underscores the company's commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Cacao Beans Sourced from an Award-Winning Farm
The new chocolate bar is produced using beans cultivated by Poimon Dangkat, a local farmer who has been dedicated to cacao cultivation in Kota Marudu since 2011. Through direct partnership with Poimon, Benns Ethicoa ensures fair trade practices and supports sustainable farming methods. Renowned for their tropical fruit and citrus notes, these beans are meticulously selected to create a balanced and high-quality dark chocolate.
Expanding Malaysia’s Single-Origin Chocolate Landscape
The introduction of the 68% Kota Marudu Dark Chocolate is a collaborative effort between Benns Ethicoa and the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB). The MCB has played a pivotal role in promoting Malaysia as a premier producer of cocoa beans and chocolate. In addition to Benns Ethicoa, Malaysia boasts several emerging bean-to-bar chocolate makers, such as Chocolate Concierge and Lee’s Cocoa. Notably, the MCB was instrumental in the May 2024 launch of KitKat Dark Borneo. Being the first single-origin chocolate product from KitKat, Malaysia’s third-largest chocolate brand according to Linium Intelligence data, this launch marked a significant milestone in advancing the country’s single-origin chocolate offerings in the mass market.