Berau Strengthens Economic Diversification Through Fermented Cocoa Beans

Berau, East Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Berau Regency Government, East Kalimantan, is strengthening economic diversification to avoid sole reliance on coal mining by utilising sustainable resources through the downstreaming of plantations, specifically fermented cocoa beans.

“Currently, the fermented cocoa bean products have been exported to Europe, particularly France, with an initial shipment of 10 tonnes in March this year, which has continued to date,” stated the Regent of Berau, Sri Juniarsih Mas, in Tanjung Redeb on Saturday.

She revealed that the Berau Regency Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a company in France to meet a demand of up to 50 tonnes per year.

Furthermore, demand is not limited to France; Japan has also presented opportunities with a much larger requirement, reaching 500 tonnes of fermented cocoa beans per year.

She noted that these exports signify the increasing global market access for Berau’s flagship commodities, expressing gratitude for the regional plantation resources’ ability to penetrate the world market.

“This increasingly open export market serves as strong motivation for Berau’s cocoa farmers to continuously increase both their production and productivity,” she said.

To this end, the Regent continues to encourage relevant departments to enhance guidance and coaching, both regarding production increases through the opening of new land and productivity improvements through intensification and the use of agricultural technology.

“The success in penetrating the export market proves that Berau cocoa possesses high competitiveness in the global market. Berau cocoa is known for its unique flavour, featuring a balance between bitterness and fresh acidity—a character highly sought after by the premium chocolate industry,” she said.

This success in reaching global markets follows Berau’s previous national recognition at the Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL) Interfood as the best cocoa beans. Internationally, Berau cocoa is also favoured by the French cocoa producer, Valrhona.

She expressed optimism that the Berau cocoa industry will continue to grow and develop, contributing to the strengthening of the regional economy alongside rising market demand.

“With support from technology, access to finance, sustainability certification, and international collaboration, Berau cocoa will be able to become an important part of the premium cocoa supply chain,” she concluded.