CANADA – Belgium headquartered cocoa processor and chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut Group is building a new factory in Canada to meet growing demand for specialty chocolate products.
The new state-of-the-art factory is planned to have an initial annual production capacity of over 50,000 tonnes.
According to a statement from Barry Callebaut, the project’s total investment volume over a period of ten years is projected to amount to US$ 104 million (CHF 100 million).
The Ontario, Canada facility will focus on manufacturing sugar-free chocolate, as well as high protein and other specialty products, reflecting the market trends.
According to IRI, the US market for specialty chocolate grew 5.9% in 2021 to US$ 14.7 billion.
“Consumers are searching for healthier and tasty solutions for the foods they love. ‘Free from’ foods like sugar-free or dairy-free are healthier options that also satisfy the indulgence they are craving,” said Steve Woolley, President of the Region Americas of Barry Callebaut.
“Through the addition of a sugar-free facility, Barry Callebaut is positioning itself to be the leader in “Better for You” offerings for our customers, which include a wide range of low- and sugar-free solutions.”
Barry Callebaut expects the facility to be operational by 2024 and anticipates creating over 200 new jobs in the process.
The chocolatier noted that the Ontario factory marks the Group’s biggest capital investment ever in the Region.
According to Barry, the facility adds to its network of chocolate and cocoa processing factories in the Americas region which currently number 15.
Two of these 15 factories are located in Canada: one in Chatham, Ontario, and one in St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, its largest facility in Region Americas.
The investment in Ontario fits the Group’s strategy to continuously nurture its global footprint, locating production close to its customers.
“Barry Callebaut’s new and continued commitment to Canada is an investment in the talent of Canadian workers, our access to global markets, and our welcoming business environment,” said Katie Curran, Interim CEO, Invest in Canada.
“Global investors will look at all corners of Canada for opportunities. Foreign direct investment brings jobs, stability and promise.”
Recently, Barry Callebaut expanded its presence in the Asia Pacific region with the opening of an expanded chocolate facility in Australia.
The 118,000-square-foot plant expansion is in Campbellfield, near Melbourne, Australia and was part of Barry Callebaut’s acquisition of GKC Foods (Australia) Pty Ltd. in 2020.
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.
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