UAE - Mubasher: Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) plans to launch a Cacao Centre, a new trade platform for integrated cacao trading, processing and innovation ecosystem, according to a press release.
The plans will further position Dubai as a global hub for agri-commodity trade as part of DMCC’s broader expansion strategy.
DMCC currently hosts 88 companies active across cocoa trading, chocolate manufacturing, and confectionery.
To be launched in partnership with Kumbi Cocoa, the new Cacao Centre will boost the full value chain from sourcing and processing through to branding, distribution, and access to finance.
Both sides will evaluate the feasibility of creating an integrated infrastructure in Dubai capable of storing, trading, and processing cacao beans into semi-finished products such as cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder.
Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, stated: “By bringing together producers, traders, manufacturers and capital within a single platform, we are creating the conditions for more value to be captured closer to origin while strengthening Dubai’s role as a global hub for agri-commodities trade. This is a natural extension of our cluster model and the next step in positioning Dubai at the centre of global food and commodities flows.”
Kwadwo Boachie-Adjei, Founder and CEO at Kumbi Cocoa, commented: “As a strategic partner to DMCC, we are proud to support the development of infrastructure that benefits growers while delivering high-quality, traceable cocoa to international markets.”
Mauro Ribezzi, Founder of Ribezzi Group, said: “The global cocoa market is evolving rapidly, and this initiative reflects a forward-looking approach to commodity infrastructure. By integrating sourcing, logistics, trading and processing across continents, the Cacao Centre has the potential to become a new benchmark and a catalyst for the industry."
On the global level, the cocoa market was valued at nearly $16.60 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $26.20 billion by 2035.
Dubai’s role in the cocoa trade is backed by clear growth indicators, as the UAE imported $17.30 million in raw cocoa beans and $65.30 million in finished chocolate and cocoa products during 2023.
Exports of raw beans reached $16.40 million, positioning the UAE as the 28th-largest exporter globally.
