Cocoa processing in Asia

Food and beverage manufacturers seeking to meet the growing demand among Asian consumers for chocolate and cocoa products will benefit from a greater availability of high quality cocoa powders following the inauguration of Cargill’s cocoa processing facility in Gresik, Indonesia.

Creating more than 300 new jobs, the US$100m facility will have a 70,000-metric-ton processing capacity and will produce Cargill’s premium brand Gerkens cocoa powders, as well as high quality cocoa liquor and butter. Its blending capability will leverage the company’s broad and in-depth cocoa knowledge to enable customers to benefit from superior, consistent and tailor-made solutions that meet Asian consumers’ taste profiles.

The state-of-the-art facility in the East Java region was officially opened in the presence of Indonesian Minister of Industry Saleh Husin and David MacLennan, Cargill’s president and chief executive officer. The ceremony was also attended by Jos de Loor, president of Cargill’s cocoa and chocolate business in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, as well as local dignitaries and customers.

“Our customers expect us to keep innovating and adding value to their products, and this investment focuses on delivering for their success,” says Jos de Loor. “We have been sourcing cocoa in Indonesia since 1995, and we are committed to supporting sustainable agricultural production and a responsible cocoa supply in the country. We work with governments, communities and partners to help build a vibrant Indonesian cocoa industry with a long-term future.”