Cocoa output projected to rise to 400,000 tons

Cocoa output projected to rise to 400,000 tons

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian cocoa production is projected to
increase to about 400,000 tons a year by 2000 from about 310,000
tons this year, according to the Indonesian Cocoa Association.

The association's executive director, P.S. Siswoputranto,
said yesterday the positive outlook was based on a continued
increase in Indonesian cocoa plantation acreage.

"The rise in the output will be caused also by the continuing
efforts to control the attacks of cocoa pod borer, the major
insect pest of cocoa in Southeast Asia," he said at an ASEAN
Cocoa Club meeting.

About 50 ASEAN cocoa plantation executives are meeting until
today to identify problems facing cocoa production and exchange
information about the industry.

The meeting will also look at the possibility of establishing
a common contract for their international trade.

Siswoputranto said he hoped the projected production increase
would be followed by an improvement in cocoa bean quality and fat
content.

This year Indonesian cocoa production is expected to increase
about 5 percent to 310,000 tons, from 295,000 last year.

The association's data shows that of the 295,000 tons of cocoa
produced last year, 210,000 tons were produced by small holders,
44,000 by state plantations and 33,000 by private estates.

Indonesia is now the world's third largest producer after the
Ivory Coast, and Ghana. Malaysia is the region's next biggest
producer with 120,000 tons last year.

Siswoputranto said by 2000 ASEAN cocoa production was
projected to increase to 500,000 tons from 464,900 tons in 1995.

Indonesia exported 195,647 tons of cocoa products between
January and September last year worth about US$259 million.

In 1995, the country exported 233,308 tons worth $308.3
million.

Indonesia exports its cocoa beans to 20 countries including
the United States, Germany, the U.K., other European countries,
Singapore, Central America and China.

Cocoa products are exported to North America, Europe, Japan,
Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Russia, and Poland.

Siswoputranto said Indonesia processed some of its cocoa beans
to support the local chocolate industry.

"Less than 15 grinders are now in operation, processing an
average of 65,000 tons of cocoa beans annually," he said. (02)