Barry Callebaut completes GKC Foods acquisition in Australia

Swiss cocoa products company Barry Callebaut has completed its previously announced acquisition of Australia’s GKC Foods.

Financial details of the deal, which was first announced in May, have not been disclosed by either company.

Barry Callebaut Asia Pacific president Ben De Schryver said: “We are happy to welcome the team of GKC Foods to the Barry Callebaut family.

“The heritage and local knowledge GKC Foods has built since the 1980s, combined with the expertise, the state of the art manufacturing processes and the capabilities of an undisputed leader in chocolate and cocoa innovation will bring further excellence to the Australia and New Zealand markets.

“We strongly believe in the growth opportunities in these still largely captive markets.”

Since 1980, GKC Foods has been manufacturing chocolate and confectionery products in Australia, including organic and vegan items that are distributed in Australia and New Zealand.

It is also engaged in the production of chocolate, coatings and fillings for consumer chocolate brands in the countries.

In addition to enhancing its footprint in the industrial chocolate market, the deal will allow Barry Callebaut to leverage its value-adding gourmet and specialities business in Australia and New Zealand.

Barry Callebaut noted that the integration process will begin immediately.

Last month, Barry Callebaut expanded the production capacity at its Singapore facility with the addition of a fourth line.

The company noted that the new line at its chocolate facility, which is the largest in Singapore, would increase the volume of chocolate for the Asia Pacific market.