SERBIA – Barry Callebaut Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of chocolate and cocoa products, has officially inaugurated its new chocolate factory in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city.
The facility’s inauguration was attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, at the invitation of Peter Boone, CEO of the Barry Callebaut Group.
The state-of-the-art factory, built at a cost of 55 million euros (U$64m), has an initial annual production capacity of over 50,000 tonnes of chocolate.
Its operation will allow Barry Callebaut to supply customers with a wide range of chocolate, compound, and filling products.
The factory will also serve as a regional hub from which Barry Callebaut can address the rapidly growing chocolate markets of Southeastern Europe and beyond.
“I am pleased with the successful start and am confident that from Novi Sad we can address the rapidly growing chocolate markets of Southeastern Europe and become the solution provider of choice for customers in the region,” Peter Boone, CEO of the Barry Callebaut Group said.
Aleksandar Vučić, the President of Serbia, on his part appreciated Barry Callebaut for hiring such a highly skilled workforce adding that it was important for the country to continue investing in higher education so as to produce the right skills for the market.
Barry expands in Europe
Earlier this year, Barry Callebaut successfully completed the acquisition of Europe Chocolate Company (ECC), a Belgian privately-owned B2B manufacturer of chocolate specialties and decorations.
The expanded European footprint was followed by the reintroduction of world-war-era quintessential British chocolate brand Stewart & Arnold.
Richly rounded and deeply smooth with a distinct flavor profile, the new Stewart & Arnold range includes 70% Great British Dark Chocolate, 55% Great British Dark Chocolate, 35% Great British Milk Chocolate, and Great British White Chocolate.
Meanwhile, the Swiss chocolate maker recently announced that Rogier van Sligter, currently Co-President of EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) at Barry Callebaut, will assume a new role as the sole president for the region.
Sligter’s appointment which is effective October 1, 2021, follows Andrew Fleming’s decision to pursue new career opportunities outside the Barry Callebaut Group.
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