AUSTRALIA — Swiss cocoa processor and chocolate manufacturer, Barry Callebaut is bolstering its capabilities in the Asia Pacific region with the opening of an expanded chocolate facility in Australia.
The 118,000-square-foot plant expansion is Campbellfield, near Melbourne, Australia and was part of Barry Callebaut’s acquisition of GKC Foods (Australia) Pty Ltd. in 2020.
“This factory expansion underlines Barry Callebaut’s ongoing commitment to Australia,” said Jo Thys, president of Asia Pacific at Barry Callebaut.
“The facility further strengthens our regional footprint in Asia Pacific, producing safe and high-quality products. The move is in line with our ambition to locate production close to our customers.”
As part of the expansion, Barry Callebaut said it added new production lines, which add significantly to the total production capacity of the Australian facility.
The facility also enables the Swiss chocolatier to expand its range of offerings for Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
The offerings now include liquid chocolate, compound, buttons, chips as well as specialties such as coatings and fillings, the company said.
“I am proud that our gourmet chocolates have been brought into the country for many years now,” said Denis Convert, managing director for Australia at Barry Callebaut.
“Today, I am even prouder that our high quality ‘Made in Australia’ products are available in higher volumes, creating more chocolate happiness for our local consumers.”
Barry Callebaut’s facility expansion comes at a time when the Australian Chocolate Market which stood at $3451.05 million in 2021 is expected to grow with a CAGR of 7.79% in the forecast period, 2023-2027, according to Research and Markets.
The market is expected to reach a market value of US$5402.23 million by 2027F, growing on account of surging demands among the population related to premium products and exquisite sweets.
Australian Chocolate Market is also being propped up by increasing disposable income among the population and surging demands from the young population.
Research and Markets adds that Gourmet products, rich nutrient-filled chocolates, variant shapes, sizes, and influenced consumer preferences are also supporting the growth of the Australian Chocolate Market in the next five years.
“With the expansion of our Campbellfield factory, we are well positioned to become the leading chocolate manufacturer in Australia,” Convert added.
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