Product News: Nestlé Malaysia Launches Single-Origin KitKat Dark Borneo

Nestlé Malaysia has introduced KitKat Dark Borneo, a new chocolate bar made exclusively from cocoa beans sourced from Sabah and Sarawak through the Nestlé Borneo Cocoa Initiative (NBCI), a strategic collaboration between Nestlé Malaysia and the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) inked in 2023.

KitKat Dark Borneo: Sustainable Chocolate with Malaysian Single-Origin Beans

KitKat Dark Borneo is a premium creation made from Trinitario cocoa beans nurtured in Borneo’s rich volcanic soils and tropical climate. These beans undergo meticulous fermentation and sun-drying processes, resulting in a unique flavor profile that captures the essence of the region. The outcome is a 52% dark chocolate with a distinctive taste, showcasing deep cocoa notes and subtle fruity undertones.

The product is crafted at Nestlé’s Chembong industrial complex in Negri Sembilan, a halal-certified facility. Recently upgraded with a biomass boiler plant, this complex underscores Nestlé’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, this initiative embraces regenerative agricultural practices, including agroforestry and intercropping, which aim to enhance soil health, boost crop yields, and support the livelihoods of local farmers.

Rising Interest in Single-Origin Chocolate Supported by the Malaysian Cocoa Board

Single-origin chocolate is gaining significant traction in Malaysia, with the Malaysian Cocoa Board playing a crucial role in fortifying the local cocoa industry. Most products in the single-origin category have been introduced by emerging or artisanal brands such as Chocolate Concierge, Lee’s Cocoa, and Seniman Kakao, each with with market shares under 1%, according to Linium Intelligence data. However, KitKat Dark Borneo marks a significant milestone as the first major brand to offer a single-origin chocolate product crafted from Malaysian-grown cocoa, targeting the mainstream market.

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