Barry Callebaut opens new cocoa processing facility in Indonesia

Switzerland-based cocoa and chocolate products manufacturer Barry Callebaut has opened its new, $33m cocoa processing facility in Makassar, Indonesia, which will cater to the increasing demand for cocoa in Asia.

The facility was built as part of the joint venture (JV) P.T. Barry Callebaut Comextra Indonesia, formed between Barry Callebaut and P.T. Comextra Majora in November 2011 with 60% and 40% stakes, respectively.

Initially, the plant will be capable of grinding 30,000t per annum.

Barry Callebaut stated that the facility is located on the Sulawesi Island where the majority of Indonesian beans are grown; this helps the company to reduce logistics costs.

Operations at the unit will be maintained by Barry Callebaut, while P.T. Comextra Majora will supply cocoa beans under a long-term supply agreement.

Barry Callebaut CEO Juergen Steinemann said the new facility opens new cocoa sourcing possibilities and further strengthens the company’s overall manufacturing footprint in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Together with earlier investments and the recently acquired cocoa factories from Petra Foods in Asia, we are able to offer the best factory structure and support in a region where demand for quality cocoa and chocolate products is growing rapidly," Steinemann added.

P.T. Comextra Majora CEO and president commissioner of P.T. Barry Callebaut Comextra Indonesia Jimmy Wisan said: "Our businesses complement each other and the partnership will harness the strengths of both companies."

Barry Callebaut has been strengthening its manufacturing footprint in emerging Asian markets, after recently acquiring Singapore-based Petra Foods’ cocoa business.

In addition to the Makassar site, the company operates four cocoa and four chocolate facilities in the region.

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Image: The Makassar facility will have an initial annual grinding capacity of 30,000t. Photo courtesy of Barry Callebaut.