Banyuwangi has emerged as a key player in the global cocoa industry, exporting high-quality beans to countries such as Japan, Ghana, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. At the forefront is the Kendenglembu plantation, managed by PTPN I Regional 5, which cultivates both bulk and premium edel cocoa. The edel variety, considered among the finest and most expensive in the world, is uniquely grown in Banyuwangi. Currently, the plantation spans 220 hectares—94 hectares for edel and 126 for bulk cocoa—with plans to expand by an additional 80 hectares in 2025. This reflects the region’s commitment to scaling up production while maintaining quality.
To celebrate and promote its world-class cocoa, Banyuwangi hosted the Chocolate Festival at Waduk Sidodadi in Glenmore. The event featured a mix of cultural performances, culinary competitions, and educational activities for students, showcasing the area's diverse agricultural strengths, including coffee and sugar. Local leaders emphasized the festival’s role in highlighting Banyuwangi's growing reputation in the global chocolate industry. Indonesia's broader cocoa exports under HS code 1801 also continue to perform well, with shipments going to major markets like the U.S., Malaysia, and Singapore. Although export volumes have varied year to year, the value remains strong, reflecting sustained international demand. In the first four months of 2025 alone, Indonesia exported nearly 3,000 tons of cocoa, worth over USD 27.5 million, marking a strong start to the year for the nation’s cocoa sector.
