Guan Chong Berhad (GCB) has established itself as a dominant force in the cocoa industry, continuously expanding its influence on a global scale. Incorporated in 2004, GCB is a Malaysian manufacturer of cocoa-derived food ingredients, producing cocoa mass, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and cocoa cake. The company also offers a full range of chocolate and couvertures, including dark, milk, and white varieties in both solid and liquid forms. After going public in 2004, GCB was listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia in 2005, marking a significant milestone in its corporate journey.
In 2020, GCB took a bold step into the consumer chocolate market by acquiring SCHOKINAG Holdings GmbH, one of Europe’s leading chocolate manufacturers. This strategic move added a “Made in Europe” mark to its branding, allowing GCB to integrate its operations further into industrial chocolate and gourmet products while utilizing its own cocoa ingredients, completing the supply chain from raw materials to finished products.
Expanding a Global Footprint
GCB’s global expansion is a testament to its ambition and strategic planning. The acquisition of Carlyle in 2006 helped establish its presence in the USA, while its investment in Batam, Indonesia, in 2011 and 2012 doubled its production capacity. Further strengthening its position, GCB developed a state-of-the-art factory in Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa-producing country.
Today, GCB is the world’s fourth-largest manufacturer of cocoa-derived food ingredients, supplying multinational giants like Hershey, Nestlé, Mondelez, and MARS. With sales spanning over 80 countries and operations across Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa, the company has grown from an initial grinding capacity of 6,000MT to an annual capacity of 277,000MT, thanks to strategic acquisitions and facility expansions.
Innovation and Product Development
A key driver of GCB’s success is its commitment to research and development. The company continuously enhances product quality through cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, investing in advanced technology, and designing or purchasing state-of-the-art machinery. GCB’s ability to stay ahead of market trends and tailor its products to customer needs reinforces its competitive edge in the industry.
Adaptability has been instrumental in GCB’s ability to maintain profitability and stability. Beyond its impressive market share, the company fosters strong customer relationships, strategically locates its facilities, and diversifies its product range in response to market demands. Its presence in Ivory Coast plays a crucial role in this strategy, enabling direct cocoa bean sourcing, reducing procurement costs, minimizing its carbon footprint, and streamlining the supply chain to Europe.
Commitment to Sustainability and ESG
GCB’s expansion in Ivory Coast is not just a business move—it is a commitment to sustainability. By working closely with local farmers, GCB ensures the sustainability of its cocoa supply while actively engaging in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. The company’s sustainability projects on cocoa farms contribute to deforestation-free supply chains and support farming communities.
GCB has earned prestigious certifications, including Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certification, Halal, and Kosher, as well as multiple accreditations under the Food Safety Management System (FSSC22000, ISO 22000, and HACCP). These endorsements reinforce its dedication to ethical sourcing and responsible business practices.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
Looking ahead, GCB identifies inflation as a major challenge for the cocoa industry. To navigate rising costs, the company strategically compares supplier pricing while maintaining quality standards, invests in automation to counter labor cost increases, installs solar panels to reduce energy expenses, and integrates interest hikes into its product pricing.
Internally, GCB prioritizes employee well-being and career growth, offering competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Its Management Development Training Program provides employees with cross-departmental experience and opportunities in overseas subsidiaries. The company also implements a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) framework to align learning processes with employee goals and offers the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Good Cocoa and Beyond
Reflecting its company values, GCB’s CSR program, “Good Cocoa and Beyond,” ensures a sustainable cocoa supply chain by improving farmer incomes, benefiting communities, protecting the environment, and delivering 100% traceable cocoa by 2030. Additionally, its “Caring Beyond Cocoa” initiative focuses on three key pillars: Happy Employees, Thriving Communities, and a Healthy Planet.
A Champion in the Industry
As the recipient of ACES’ Industry Champions of the Year award, GCB continues to outpace its competitors through steady growth and a strong team-driven culture. Recognizing the dedication of its employees over the past 30 years, the company aims to attract new talent to drive its future success and solidify its status as a leading multinational in the cocoa industry.
