Malaysia home-grown chocolate brand Cocoa Straits 1778 has opened its first flagship outlet in Genting Highlands, Pahang with the grand opening on March 1, 2024, and future plans on opening in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Penang.
Located in Sky Avenue, Resorts World Genting, the flagship store provides Cocoa Straits 1778 chocolates made from premium Malaysian cocoa for consumers.
Also launched is Malaysia’s first-ever bonbon and truffle chocolates adorned with 24K gold foil.
The auspicious event was kick-started with the lion dance performance to bring success, good fortune and prosperity to the business, and followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening.
Jeffrey Kee, the founder of Cocoa Straits 1778 stated during the launch event: “These chocolates are crafted with a luxurious and eye-catching design, adorned with 24K gold foil, fully showcasing the elegance and uniqueness of chocolate.
“It is not only a tasty treat but also a precious work of art, designed to provide an unparalleled sensory and visual experience.”
Also present at the event were Malaysian Cocoa Board director general Datuk Dr Ramle Kasin, Resorts World Genting head of tenancy management CC Yeap and Benns Ethicoa Chocolate Factory Sdn Bhd founder and managing director Wilfred Ng.
The bonbon and truffle chocolates, adorned with 24K gold foil, will stand as Cocoa Straits 1778 signature creations, exemplifying the brand’s commitment to both artistry and global excellence in chocolate making.
“We believe that this chocolate will capture the public’s attention and become the highlight of the opening ceremony. Through this event, we aim to introduce more people to the unique qualities of our brand and invite them to share this extraordinary sensory experience with us,” Kee added.
Kee went into further details about how the brand ended up with its unique name.
“The name ‘Cocoa Straits 1778’ carries a significant meaning derived from Malaysia’s extraordinary cocoa history. It symbolizes our dedication to fulfilling the mission of conveying Malaysia’s cocoa history to chocolate enthusiasts worldwide. Malaysia’s cocoa cultivation has spanned over two centuries.
“According to historical records, cocoa beans were discovered in a garden in Malacca in the year 1778. Here, ‘1778’ represents the year the first cocoa tree was found in Malacca,” he said.
At present, Cocoa Straits 1778 products are exclusively available in selected stores in Genting Highlands. However, the company has future plans to open franchise outlets in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Penang for a wider range of customers.
Cocoa Straits 1778 also intends to expand its product line by introducing a diverse array of innovative chocolate flavours and packaging designs
The company is focusing on creating high-quality chocolates and showcasing commitment to fusion of Malaysian chocolate, culture and traditions on the global stage.
“Cocoa Straits 1778 aspires to be a leader in the global market for single-origin pure chocolates and a premier luxury chocolate brand, offering customers high-quality, ethically sourced, and expertly crafted chocolates,” added Kee.
