The Indonesian Cocoa Board (ICB) is strengthening its efforts to enter the European market. Supported by the Arise+ Project, ICB recently made important visits to Italy and Switzerland. In Italy, they visited testing institutions, certification bodies, and artisanal chocolate factories. ICB also attended the EU Geographical Indication meeting in Switzerland.
These visits resulted in two key cooperation agreements. The ICB signed a deal with the Chocolate Way Association in Italy, while the Berau Cocoa Geographic Indication Protection Society from Indonesia partnered with Cioccolato di Modica PGI, a leading Italian chocolate producer. These collaborations aim to enhance the presence of Indonesian cocoa in Europe, leveraging geographical indication recognition to add value to local cocoa products.
As part of this cooperation, three cocoa bean samples from Indonesia—Berau (East Kalimantan), Jembrana (Bali), and Ransiki (West Papua)—were sent to laboratories in Italy for a series of quality tests. The analysis of the physical qualities, chemical properties, nutritional compounds, antioxidants, pesticide residues, and heavy metals showed that all three samples met the high standards required by the EU market. This is encouraging news for Indonesia’s cocoa sector, which is striving to expand exports to the region.
Ahead of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) set to take effect in 2025, ICB is preparing thoroughly. The board is involved in discussions with the Indonesian government and domestic cocoa stakeholders to ensure the sector complies with the strict environmental regulations from the EU. Through these proactive measures, ICB hopes Indonesia can enhance its sustainable and competitive cocoa exports globally.
This initiative demonstrates ICB’s commitment to promoting local cocoa beans and positioning them as key players in the international market while maintaining environmental sustainability and high quality standards.
