Barry Callebaut marks official opening of Australian chocolate production facilities
_Barry Callebaut celebrates official opening of expanded chocolate factory in Australia, pic: Barry Callebaut
The Barry Callebaut Group has been in celebratory mood within Australia, following the recent official opening of its factory expansion in Campbellfield, Melbourne, writes Neill Barston.
As the business explained, its significant investment expands the company’s existing facility, .
Significantly, its expanded operations will enable a markedly increased total production capacity, which now includes liquid chocolate, compound, buttons, chips as well as specialties such as coatings and filling.
The investment into the 11,000 square meter site, equipped with state-of-the-art chocolate refining and conching lines, corresponds to the increasing demand for high quality chocolate in Australia. According to Euromonitor, Australia is one of the largest chocolate and confectionery markets in Asia Pacific with a per capita consumption of 5.1 kilograms of chocolate confectionery in 2021, the highest in the Asia Pacific region.
Jo Thys, President Asia Pacific, said: “This factory expansion underlines Barry Callebaut’s ongoing commitment to Australia. 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 the company noted, through its facility in Campbellfield, Victoria, the company can serve the entire food industry in Australia, from global and local food manufacturers to artisanal and professional users of chocolate.
Denis Convert, Managing Director Australia at Barry Callebaut, added: “I am proud that our Gourmet chocolates have been brought into the country for many years now. 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. With the expansion of our Campbellfield factory, we are well positioned to become the leading chocolate manufacturer in Australia.
