Puratos Group Expands Chocolate Production in Brazil

With an initial investment of 4 million EURO, Floresta do Rio Doce built the first cocoa liquor production line in a building of 1.500 m² and a land of 40.000 m², close to more than 450 cocoa farms.

3/16/2011 --- Following the acquisition of a majority shareholding stake in Floresta do Rio Doce Agroderivados (Linhares, Brazil), has Puratos entered into chocolate production in Brazil.

Floresta do Rio Doce started in May 2010 as the first origin cocoa factory in Brazil. Located in Linhares, the third cocoa plantation region of Brazil, Floresta do Rio Doce marks a new era in the history of Brazilian cocoa plantations. Using processes and technology developed locally, the unit had an initial capacity to grinding 2,500 tons of cocoa beans per year.
 
With an initial investment of 4 million EURO, Floresta do Rio Doce built the first cocoa liquor production line in a building of 1.500 m² and a land of 40.000 m², close to more than 450 cocoa farms. The excellence of the cocoa liquor is guaranteed through all stages of the process, from the plantation of the fruit to the fermentation process on the farm and the industrialization of the final product. 
 
The expansion of the cocoa mass lines will continue in 2011, together with the construction of a new chocolate factory in Linhares in the province of Espiritu Santo. In March, Floresta do Rio Doce starts producing the Puratos chocolate Chocolanté and Carat, besides its traditional brands Vitto and Norcau.
 
Eddy Van Belle, chairman of the Puratos Group, says: “Already during my visit in 2009, I was impressed by the potential and quality of the cocoa in the region of Linhares for the production of premium and origin chocolates. For Puratos, the acquisition of Floresta do Rio Doce marked the start of a new era of origin chocolate in Brazil. But Floresta do Rio Doce also represents a new value chain example for the chocolate and cocoa industry, where farmers, chocolatiers and end consumers are brought together to exchange ideas and know-how, in a genuine and innovative Puratos’ approach.”