Cargill’s Aalst Chocolate eyes Asian growth through “bean to bar” innovation

04 Oct 2023 --- At a time of strong demand for chocolate products in Asia, Aalst Chocolate, a Cargill-owned company, is driving regional expansion through its “bean to bar” positioning and customer-led product innovation for the Asia Pacific market.

Established two decades ago, the first Singaporean brand to produce chocolate couverture and compounds has since built a solid foundation as one of the leading Asian chocolate manufacturers with product offerings curated especially for Asian consumers.

New growth opportunities 
Today, Asia accounts for about 25% of cocoa consumption globally, according to Francesca Kleemans, managing director for Food Solutions Southeast Asia, Cargill. 

It is the fastest-growing region in volume and value and stands out for its immense innovation potential. Within the next ten years, she underscores that Asia is “expected to overtake North America as the second-largest chocolate market in the world.”

“By unlocking the power of our ‘bean to bar’ supply chain, insights-driven innovation and customized sustainability solutions, we see Aalst as a driving force shaping the chocolate sector through innovation in Asia and the world, delivering greater value as the partner of choice for innovation and growth,” explains Kleemans. 

Aalst has a range of chocolate solutions under the Pâtissier Chocolate brand that meets the demand for greater supply chain transparency and sustainability.Meanwhile, Xiaoling Liu, managing director, of Aalst Chocolate and indulgence leader, Food Solutions Asia Pacific, Cargill, sees “a growing appetite for chocolate among consumers across the APAC region driven primarily by a large youth population, higher disposable incomes and emerging trends such as prioritization of indulgence, mindful eating and sustainability.”

“People still want to enjoy tasty, flavorful treats while being more conscious about the quality, nutritional value and source of the foods they consume.”

“As we herald a new growth era for Aalst, we are energized to continue making our mark in Asia, where the future of chocolate lies and reaffirming the company’s reputation as an integrated and innovative chocolate solutions provider for customers across the region and beyond,” Liu notes.

Tracking chocolate trends 
Based on Cargill’s proprietary TrendTracker 2023 study, 81% of APAC consumers have tried to improve their overall health in ways such as choosing healthier options when it comes to their diet. 

At the same time, 58% of consumers say it is important to indulge or pamper themselves regularly. Combining Cargill’s market insights with Aalst’s capabilities, Aalst has created products with nature-derived low-caloric sweeteners, like Pâtissier Chocolate dark couverture 55% with no added sugar and Aalst mellow sweet white chocolate 34%, to respond to the growing consumer demand in Asia for healthy and mindful consumption.

“Asia is a dynamic marketplace with fast-evolving consumer trends and taste preferences, which offers a clear opportunity for food manufacturers to innovate to meet these consumption demands,” continues Liu. 

“With Aalst’s established reputation, robust in-house innovation capabilities and our manufacturing facility in Singapore, we are well-poised to continue supporting our customers in their product development needs and work with them to co-create novel chocolate products.”

From Asia to Asia 
Aalst’s vision to grow as a chocolate company “from Asia for Asia” was given a boost when it was acquired by Cargill in 2021.

Now, as part of Cargill, Aalst has been able to integrate and leverage Cargill’s cocoa sourcing capabilities and global cocoa customer networks, presenting an overall stronger and more secure supply chain. 

Aalst’s local R&D expertise is further supported by Cargill’s four Asian food innovation centers in Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing and Gurgaon, which accelerate Aalst’s capability for product innovation tailored for Asian palates.

Edited by Elizabeth Green