Making Indonesia a Sustainable Cocoa Producer and Consumer

Jakarta, November 12, 2022 – The 10th National Cocoa Day was celebrated as a series of the largest food and beverage industry exhibition in Indonesia, called Salon International de L'alimentation, or SIAL Interfood. This exhibition is being held from 9 to 12 November 2022 at JIExpo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.

The Indonesian Cocoa Board with the Directorate General of Agro Industry, the Ministry of Industry, and the Directorate of Perennial and Refreshment Crops, the Directorate General of State Crops, the Ministry of Agriculture were celebrating again the National Cocoa Day after the pandemic a few years ago. This year, the National Cocoa Day disscussed "Indonesia as a Sustainable Cocoa Producer and Consumer" and expected to build Indonesia's image as a producer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate.

Therefore, CSP together with its members and strategic partners also participated in the SIAL Interfood exhibition. CSP showcased several initiatives it had been carried out with its members and strategic partners in supporting a sustainable cocoa farming system in Indonesia.

In his remarks, Soetanto Abdoellah, the Indonesian Cocoa Board Chairperson said that in order to support the development of a sustainable cocoa producer and consumer in indonesia, the business actors, cocoa farmers, and the government must establish collaboration. "Let's continue to support cocoa farmers and farmer groups in increasing cocoa productivity nationally," he added.

There were some interesting activities during the celebration of the National Cocoa Day 2022 such as cocoa bean contest, bean to bar competition, brownies making contest, and the Indonesian Cocoa Plated Dessert. As in the event, the organizer held a talk show by presenting several important speakers as representatives of government, industry, and cocoa farmers. The session was hosted by Wahyu Wibowo, the Executive Director of CSP.

Hendratmojo Bagus Hudoro, Director of Perennial and Refreshment Crops, the Directorate General of State Crops, the Ministry of Agriculture, conveyed his message during the session that the prospects for the cocoa market required the commitments among stakeholders, and the most important thing was that business actors could provide additional price incentives for farmers who succeed in fulfilling the requirements according to the policy.

Putu Juli Ardika, Director General of Agro Industry, the Ministry of Industry, also said that the organizing of the Indonesian cocoa and chocolate thematic exhibition showed the great enthusiasm of the cocoa and chocolate processing industries to expand their market, both domestically and abroad.

SIAL Interfood is a food and beverage industry exhibition are attended by more than 750 companies from 27 countries around the world. (CSP/AV)