UK – Leading cocoa and chocolate producer, Barry Callebaut has completed the transaction to acquire Burton’s Biscuit Company’s chocolate manufacturing assets in the UK.

The company has also entered long-term agreement for the supply of over 12,000 tonnes of chocolate and compound per year to Burton’s Biscuit Company.

The acquisition involves chocolate manufacturing assets of Burton’s Biscuit Company in Moreton, Wirral, near Liverpool (UK) following completion of the regulatory approval and closing conditions.

Barry Callebaut, which reported annual sales of approximately US$7.1 billion in fiscal year 2017/18, will now be able to expand its manufacturing capacity in the UK, one of Europe’s most significant chocolate confectionery markets, says the company.

“This transaction demonstrates our confidence in the future prospects of the UK chocolate confectionery market,” said Frank Keidel, Barry Callebaut’s Head of Media Relations to FoodIngredientsFirst.

“As seen in overall EMEA Region, Barry Callebaut has been able to grow significantly faster than the chocolate confectionery market in recent years. This is also true for the UK.

“The transaction with Burton’s will support our further growth in the UK, which we expect to remain a fast-growing market for chocolate production for the foreseeable future.

The Moreton facility provides us with additional manufacturing capacity that supports our further growth in the UK.”

“At the same time, Burton’s Biscuit Company, the UK’s second biggest biscuit manufacturer, enters into an agreement with Barry Callebaut for the long-term supply of over 12,000 metric tons of [liquid and compound chocolate] per annum to cover its chocolate needs and access new innovative products and technologies Barry Callebaut has invested in.”

The partnership, will enhance capabilities and directly support Burton’s plan to boost its biscuit offering.

Burton’s Biscuit Company was formed as a merger Burton’s Gold Medal Biscuits and Horizon Biscuit Company in 2000.

Its products include Fish ‘n’ Chips snacks, Jammie Dodgers, Lyons Biscuits, Lyons Coconut Delights, Lyons Cookies, Lyons Digestive, Viscount, Maryland Cookies, and others.