Barry Callebaut extends chocolate supply deal with Mexico’s Mars Wrigley LAN
pic: Barry Callebaut
Swiss-headquartered Barry Callebaut has struck a renewed cocoa and chocolate supply deal with Mars Wrigley LAN, a key producer of premium ranges in Mexico behind brands including Turín, Orbit, Lucas, Skwinkles & Skittles, writes Neill Barston.
The agreement, which was for an undisclosed fee, extends a well-established existing strategic partnership between the businesses, which they believed would position them to drive further long-term growth within the region, which is continuing to show a notable rate of development.
Gabriel Fernández, General Manager Mars Wrigley LAN, welcomed the signing of the agreement: “The renewal of this long-term partnership with Barry Callebaut provides more value to our supply chain and supports us to deliver our goals and meet our customer’s expectations.”
Ben De Schryver, President, North America, Barry Callebaut, also believed the move would be particularly valuable for the business, with its emergence falling in the wake of a major management restructure at Barry Callebaut, which has seen the company place an expanded focus on digitalisation of its operations.
He said: “As we extend this long-term supply agreement, I am proud that Barry Callebaut remains one of Mars Wrigley LAN’s strategic partners by enabling their powerful vision to exceed the expectations of their loyal customers.” Jesús Carlos Valencia, Managing Director, Mexico, Barry Callebaut, continued: “We are pleased to extend our strategic relationship with Mars Wrigley LAN, which has been a partner to our business for more than 10 years. We look forward to providing growth in new and innovative ways.” The parties agreed not to disclose any further terms of the agreement.
The Barry Callebaut Group now operates a total of more than 65 production facilities worldwide, employing a diverse and dedicated global workforce of more than 13,000 people, with the business having significantly expanded its international operations over the past few years, including in the US, Canada, as well as in Latin America.