Technical Assistance II
Key Takeaways from the 8th Indonesian International Cocoa Conference & Dinner 2023
^ Giovanni Galanti (furthest to the right) serving as one of the panelists in the "Sustainable and Responsible Cocoa & Chocolate" session
Indonesia is renowned for its exceptional diversity of cocoa varieties, a trait stemming from the widespread distribution of cocoa plantations across various regions of the country. Each region imparts unique flavour profiles to the cocoa, shaped by the local soil and climate conditions. These distinct characteristics make Indonesian cocoa an ideal candidate for recognition as a Geographical Indication (GI) product. Such designation could significantly enhance the market value of Indonesian cocoa products and, consequently, improve the livelihoods of local farmers.
In the past five years, Indonesia has experienced a concerning decline in cocoa productivity. This is primarily due to the ageing of many cocoa plants, with a significant number exceeding 25 years, resulting in diminished yields. Additionally, the allure of crops deemed more economically viable, such as palm oil, rice, and maize, has led to the conversion of many cocoa fields. Leveraging the enhanced economic value offered by GI status could help cocoa regain its competitive edge against these dominant commodities.
These insights were shared by Giovanni Galanti, Senior Expert at ARISE+ Indonesia, overseeing Priority Area 4 in Intellectual Property and Geographical Indications, and Soetanto Abdoellah, Senior Expert in Geographical Indications for Cocoa at ARISE+ Indonesia. Both experts provided their perspectives during the 8th Indonesian International Cocoa Conference & Dinner 2023 organised by Indonesia Cocoa Association. Themed "Paradigm Shifting: Global Cocoa & Chocolate Supply Chain through Innovation, Growth & Sustainability," the event was held in Bali on September 14-15, 2023.
^ The 8th Indonesian International Cocoa Conference and Dinner 2023
The international conference gathered over 400 cocoa advocates from the Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, as well as international organisations and institutions, and private sectors from 16 countries. The event aimed to foster synergy and collaboration among individuals and organisations involved in the cocoa and chocolate sectors. The primary focus was to encourage innovation and facilitate new breakthroughs, accelerating the growth of these sectors through downstream activities. A key objective was to address future challenges, particularly in the development of sustainable products.
^ Soetanto Abdoellah (second from the right) speaking at one of sessions during the 8th Indonesian International Cocoa Conference and Dinner 2023
In the Indonesian Cocoa Day session on the first day of the conference, Mr Soetanto underscored the challenges in Indonesia's cocoa and chocolate industry. He pinpointed key issues like declining cocoa productivity and the crucial need to keep pesticide residues and cadmium levels in cocoa beans within safe food standards. He recalled past instances where Indonesian cocoa exports were rejected due to pesticide residues or high cadmium levels. Mr Soetanto also highlighted the potential challenge of the upcoming EU Anti-Deforestation Regulation for cocoa farmers. His presentation laid the groundwork for constructive discussions to propel Indonesia's cocoa and chocolate industry forward.
During one of the sessions on the second day, Mr Galanti discussed the support ARISE+ Indonesia provides to Geographical Indication (GI) products in the country, including Berau Cocoa, which is the only Indonesian cocoa to have received GI certification. Besides facilitating the registration of Indonesian GI products in the European Union, ARISE+ Indonesia also promotes twinning initiatives. One such initiative is between Indonesian Berau Cocoa and the European GI chocolate producer Cioccolato di Modica. Through this collaboration, Berau Cocoa supplies ingredients for the production of Cioccolato di Modica's GI chocolate products. This partnership elevates the final product to a new level of quality and traceability, implementing the farm-to-fork approach and thereby adding premium value.
ARISE+ Indonesia also facilitated a series of analyses on Berau Cocoa samples to assess their nutritional content and bioactive compounds, including Flavanol and Catechin, in fermented cocoa, as well as their compliance with health standards. These standards encompassed microbiology, toxicology, and the presence of allergens and contaminants. The results of the food safety analysis confirmed that Berau Cocoa is safe for consumption, and the nutritional analysis revealed a significant amount of antioxidants, particularly flavanols, in Berau Cocoa.
Mr Galanti further noted that a study conducted by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) reported beneficial effects of cocoa and chocolate on cardiovascular health and blood fluidity. He suggested that Indonesian chocolate could be marketed as a product with health benefits.
"When combined with GI certification, this strategy could effectively enhance both the productivity and quality of Indonesian cocoa," said Mr Galanti.
^ Giovanni Galanti (second from the right) receiving a token of appreciation at the 8th Indonesian International Cocoa Conference and Dinner 2023
In a separate interview, Mr Soetanto emphasized the critical need for synergy and collaboration among the government, international cooperation programs, and the private sector to foster growth in Indonesia's cocoa and chocolate industry. He noted that progress requires building capacity in human resources within the cocoa sector, consistently adhering to Good Agricultural Practices, Indonesian National Standards, and all related manuals and regulations. Furthermore, continuous monitoring and supervision, as well as the establishment of networks with both national and international partners, are essential.
Concluding the discussion, Mr Soetanto said, "All outcomes of the conference will be compiled and presented to the Indonesian Government to serve as a reference for formulating cocoa development programs in Indonesia."
