NETHERLANDS – Cargill has expanded the capacity of its coatings and fillings plant in Deventer, the Netherlands, by 60%.
The Deventer facility, which focuses solely on the production of coatings and fillings, is the only one of its kind across Cargill’s European sites, offering specialized solutions to meet the demands of the chocolate confectionery market.
The company stated that the upgraded plant is designed to enhance the flexibility and variety of its product offerings, providing customers with coatings that cater to a range of textures, flavors, and mouthfeel experiences.
The facility is also aimed at producing coatings that use less cocoa, a move that reflects industry trends towards more sustainable and innovative ingredients.
One of the key improvements at the Deventer site is the installation of a dedicated, nut-free production line, which operates separately from the existing hazelnut line.
According to Cargill, this will boost production volumes while increasing efficiency, allowing for greater adaptability in addressing customer needs.
The plant is also equipped to handle special requests such as vegan, low-sugar, and palm oil-free products, aligning with current trends in health-conscious and ethically sourced confectionery.
Michiel van der Bom, who oversees Cargill’s cocoa and chocolate product line in EMEA, emphasized the pressures currently facing the chocolate market.
He noted that demand for chocolate is outpacing supply, with a growing interest in niche products that cater to shifting consumer preferences.
This project is meant to help its European customers meet current chocolate confectionery trends.
The expansion comes at a time of steady growth in Europe’s chocolate sector, with the market expected to grow from US$47.28 billion in 2024 to US$61.42 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.46%.
In 2022, the market saw a year-on-year increase of 3.91%.
Germany and the United Kingdom remain the region’s largest chocolate markets, collectively accounting for nearly half of all sales in 2022.
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