DMCC Launches Cacao Centre to Enhance Cocoa Trade in Dubai

In a bold move to fortify its role in global agri-commodities, Dubai's DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) has revealed plans to establish a specialized Cacao Centre. This initiative focuses on creating a fully integrated ecosystem dedicated to cocoa trading, processing, and innovation.

The upcoming Cacao Centre will encompass the entire cocoa value chain—spanning sourcing, storage, processing, branding, distribution, and financing. This step builds on DMCC’s proven track record exemplified by its successful coffee and tea centres.

At present, DMCC supports 88 businesses involved in cocoa trading, chocolate production, and confectionery. The initiative will streamline and enhance this sector by centralizing operations, thereby improving efficiency and global outreach.

Strategic Collaborations

The initiative will unfold in collaboration with:

• Kumbi Cocoa, dedicated to establishing fair relationships with farmers

• Ribezzi Group, a Dubai-based leader in project development

Together, they aim to develop infrastructure in Dubai for storing, trading, and converting cocoa beans into semi-finished products like cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder.

Cutting-Edge Infrastructure and Services

The DMCC Cacao Centre will feature:

• Quality control and grading

• Storage and blending capabilities

• Branding and packaging solutions

• Trade finance access through DMCC’s FinX platform

This setup will assist cocoa producers, cooperatives, and traders in navigating price volatility and enhancing access to capital.

Expanding Global Market Potential

The global cocoa market is poised for significant growth:

• Projected to reach a value of $16.6 billion by 2025

• Expected to surge to $26.2 billion by 2035

Simultaneously, the premium chocolate sector is thriving due to increased consumer demand for high-quality and health-conscious offerings.

Dubai's Emerging Cocoa Market Position

Though still in the nascent stages of its cocoa trade development, Dubai is witnessing rapid growth:

• UAE imported $17.3 million worth of raw cocoa beans in 2023

• Imported $65.3 million in finished cocoa products

• Exported $16.4 million of raw beans

These figures underscore the increasing trade dynamics channeled through Dubai.

Bridging Global Disparities

Currently, West African nations are responsible for approximately 75% of the world’s cocoa, yet they capture only a fraction of the market's final value. The DMCC Cacao Centre strives to rectify this disparity by directly linking farmers to global markets, funding resources, and value-added services.

With advanced logistics, warehousing, and trade finance capabilities, Dubai is positioning itself as a pivotal hub for a more transparent, efficient, and equitable global cocoa trade framework.