Barry Callebaut expands chocolate production in Indonesia with “plant-in-plant” concept

26 Aug 2019 --- The Barry Callebaut Group, a global producer of chocolate and cocoa products, has started production at its second chocolate manufacturing plant in Rancaekek, a sub-district of Bandung, Indonesia. The brand new factory follows Barry Callebaut’s plant-in-plant concept, where the Group integrates new production facilities at the premises of its customers. The Rancaekek plant-in-plant facility is within food and beverage company Garudafood’s biscuit factory and constitutes a US$2.8 million (IDR 40 billion) investment.

The move is the result of an additional long-term agreement to supply chocolate and chocolate compound to Garudafood, signed last November. Ben De Schryver, President of Barry Callebaut Asia Pacific says the company sees potential in the confectionery market in Indonesia. “Barry Callebaut will continue to invest in the development of our manufacturing capabilities and continue to offer new products with our customers, such as Garudafood,” he notes.

Both Barry Callebaut and Garudafood have been collaborating on innovation activities and plan to develop new products that will cater to the growing Indonesian chocolate market. In addition to the new chocolate factory in Rancaekek, Barry Callebaut has another chocolate factory in Gresik, near Surabaya, and two cocoa factories located in Bandung and Makassar.

In July, the company also announced the groundbreaking of a new chocolate factory in India which is expected to be ready in mid-2020.A long term plan for growth
In the last 12 months, Barry Callebaut has also expanded its sales operations in Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines, in addition to its existing sales offices in India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

Earlier this year the company announced long term plans to boost cocoa production in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The African-based cocoa processing facility is expected to increase grinding production by 40 percent over the next three years. 

In July the company also announced the groundbreaking of a new chocolate factory in India which is expected to be ready in mid-2020. In addition to chocolate production, the factory will be equipped with a research and development lab.

Sustainability during expansion
Amid Barry Callebaut’s fast-paced growth, the company says it is committed to sustainability. There are plans to expand the company’s sustainability activities through its Forever Chocolate program for cocoa farmers in Indonesia. Furthermore, Barry Callebaut’s new distribution center in Belgium, slated to open in 2021, will be energy neutral. 

Edited by Missy Green