Barry Callebaut plans US$ 104 M investment in new specialty chocolate factory in Ontario, Canada

Increased production capacity and service offering
Barry Callebaut chocolate factory in Ontario, Canada

Barry Callebaut chocolate factory in Ontario, Canada

Photo - Barry Callebaut

  • Chocolate factory designed for sugar-free chocolate, high protein, and other specialty products to meet increasing customer demand

  • Initial annual capacity will be more than 50,000 metric tonnes of liquid and molded chocolate production

  • New specialty chocolate factory will become the 2nd largest factory in Region Americas and marks the biggest capital investment ever in a factory in North America

The Barry Callebaut Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, announced its plans to expand its North American presence by building a new specialty chocolate factory in Ontario, Canada. The new state-of-the-art factory is planned to have an initial annual production capacity of over 50,000 tonnes. Total investment volume over a period of ten years is projected to amount to US$ 104 million (CHF 100 million). The factory is expected to be operational by 2024. It 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 USD 14.7 billion. Barry Callebaut expects to create over 200 new jobs to staff its new state-of-the-art facility.

The new factory in Ontario marks the Group’s biggest capital investment ever in the Region and will be in addition to the 15 chocolate and cocoa processing factories Barry Callebaut currently has across the Americas Region. 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.

Steve Woolley, president of the Region Americas of Barry Callebaut, said, "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. 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’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. Global investors will look at all corners of Canada for opportunities. Foreign direct investment brings jobs, stability and promise," said Katie Curran, Interim chief executive officer, Invest in Canada.

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