Chocolate hub: Barry Callebaut expands operations in “key market” India
29 Nov 2022 --- India will become Barry Callebaut’s largest chocolate-producing market in the Asia Pacific region following the opening of a new factory based in Neemrana. Due for completion in 2024, the operation signals the chocolate and cocoa giant’s total investment in India over the last five years topping US$52.5 million.
According to Barry Callebaut, this investment reaffirms the company’s commitment to the country in the last 15 years.
A key market
Since opening the first Chocolate Academy Center in Mumbai in 2007, the company has continuously invested in the Indian chocolate and cocoa market. Today, the company operates two factories in Baramati, producing high-quality chocolate and compounds.
“India is a key market for Barry Callebaut in Asia Pacific,” says Jo Thys, president of Barry Callebaut in Asia Pacific.
“Our ambition in India is to become the market leader for high-quality chocolate and cocoa products.”
“India is among the fastest growing chocolate markets in the world,” adds Dhruva Jyoti Sanyal, managing director for Barry Callebaut India. “Over the years, we have invested significantly in our local manufacturing and sales capabilities, which positions us well for the future.”
The new greenfield facility in Neemrana will cover 20,000 m2 and is scheduled to be operational in 2024.The new factory will act as a northern hub, bringing the group closer to customers and creating opportunities to introduce our high-quality products and industry-leading innovations, adds Sanyal.
The new chocolate factory will include assembly lines capable of manufacturing chocolate and compounds in different delivery formats, catering to the various needs of its customers – international food manufacturers, local confectioneries and semi-industrial bakers and patisseries.
It will also house a warehouse and an R&D laboratory.
Continued expansion in the region
Barry Callebaut has achieved double-digit volume growth in India over the last five years and currently has more than 160 employees in the country.
The company has built its presence in India by serving food manufacturers and established a strong nationwide distribution network and committed channel partners over the years. Barry Callebaut also imports its global gourmet chocolate brands to India, including Callebaut, Cacao Barry and Mona Lisa.
In recent months, Barry Callebaut has unveiled several chocolate products to its customers in India, including its first dairy-free, plant-based chocolate and WholeFruit chocolate, made from 100% cacao fruit.
Edited by Elizabeth Green
