Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has announced plans to launch a state-of-the-art DMCC Cacao Centre in an effort to transform the emirate into an international trade hub for the in-demand superfood.
DMCC said it will initially incubate a select range of cacao services within its DMCC Coffee Centre in Jebel Ali starting from mid-2021 as part of its mid to long-term development strategy.
“The DMCC Cacao Centre represents the next phase of our growth strategy and will see us transform Dubai into a global hub for the cacao trade,” said Ahmed bin Sulayem, executive chairman and CEO of DMCC.
“Few thought the DMCC Tea Centre and DMCC Coffee Centre would reach the levels of trade we see today, so by utilising our expertise and experience gained from developing these commodities, we see cacao and its high-growth potential as a logical next step,” he added.
Global demand for cacao – shell, fruit and beans – is rising and considered one of nature’s highest sources of magnesium and iron, as well as antioxidants and natural cacao butter.
Cacao is also linked to holistic wellness and is used for physical, mental and emotional balance.
DMCC said it is in contact with a range of cacao industry players, including Blue Stripes Urban Cacao and stakeholders across West Africa and South America, in order to better understand the needs of the market and how Dubai can play a central role in supporting its sustainable growth.
A cacao webinar series focused on raising awareness of the superfood will be announced by DMCC in due course, it added.
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