Barry Callebaut unveils plans for Canadian investment with new Ontario chocolate plant
A major expansion move has been unveiled by Barry Callebaut in Canada, as it confirms its largest ever investment in the region, totalling $104 million for a new chocolate manufacturing facility in Ontario, reports Neill Barston.
According to the company, the site is expected to be operational by 2024, and is planned to have an initial production capacity of more than 50,000 tonnes serving local markets.
As the business explained, it will focus on manufacturing sugar-free chocolate, as well as high protein and other specialty products, reflecting the market trends – which have revealed major growth in ‘better-for-you’ and healthier option market segments in many areas of the world, including North America.
Consequently, IRI noted that the US market for specialty chocolate grew 5.9% in 2021 to $14.7 billion, with the company anticipating its latest site will deliver over 200 jobs at its advanced facilities.
The new factory in Ontario comes 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.
As the company added, consumers are increasingly searching for healthier and tasty solutions for the foods they love. As a result, ‘Free from’ foods like sugar-free or dairy-free are healthier options that also satisfy demand for indulgent ranges. Through the addition of a sugar-free facility, Barry Callebaut is seeking to position itself to be the leader in “Better for You” offerings for our customers, which include a wide range of low- and sugar-free solutions.
Steve Woolley, President of the Region Americas of Barry Callebaut, welcomed the facility’s development. He commented: “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. ”
Katie Curran, Interim CEO, Invest in Canada, also believed the creation of the new site would prove influential within the region. She added: “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.
