Dubai’s DMCC has unveiled plans to launch a dedicated Cacao Centre, signalling a strategic push to position the emirate as a global hub for agri-commodities trade while reshaping value creation across the cocoa supply chain.
The proposed platform will consolidate Dubai’s growing cocoa ecosystem into a structured, end-to-end marketplace covering sourcing, processing, branding and distribution. DMCC already hosts 88 companies operating across cocoa trading, chocolate manufacturing and confectionery, and the new centre aims to unify these activities while improving efficiency and transparency.
The initiative will be developed in partnership with Kumbi Cocoa and Ribezzi Group, with a focus on assessing infrastructure to store, trade and process cacao into semi-finished products such as cocoa butter and powder. The model is designed to serve global markets while enabling better value capture across the supply chain.
Building on the success of the DMCC Coffee Centre and DMCC Tea Centre, the new facility reflects a broader shift in commodities trading towards integrated platforms combining logistics, processing and finance. Services will include grading, blending, packaging and access to trade finance through DMCC’s FinX platform.
Global cocoa demand continues to rise, with the market projected to grow significantly over the next decade alongside increasing demand for premium chocolate. Dubai’s cocoa trade remains emerging but is expanding, supported by rising imports, exports and infrastructure investment.
The Cacao Centre also aims to address structural imbalances in the global cocoa trade, where producers in regions such as West Africa capture limited value. By linking farmers directly with buyers, financing and processing capabilities, DMCC intends to create a more resilient, transparent and inclusive supply chain while reinforcing Dubai’s role in global trade flows.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
