Barry Callebaut set to acquire assets of World’s Finest Chocolate

Barry Callebaut Group is to buy the industrial chocolate manufacturing assets of World’s Finest Chocolate for an undisclosed amount.

As a part of the agreement, Barry Callebaut will also lease space at its existing production site in Chicago for the group’s new manufacturing base in the midwest region, from where it will accommodate all of World’s Finest Chocolate’s chocolate demand.

Deliveries from the new facility will start on 1 March.

Barry Callebaut Group CEO and president Americas Dave Johnson said: "We feel much honoured to have been selected by World’s Finest Chocolate as their partner of choice.

"This long-term agreement is another important step to strengthen our services for customers in the fast-growing midwest region of the United States. It also underscores our position as the preferred partner for outsourcing, one of our key growth drivers."

The company plans to invest CHF5.1m ($5.7m) in the fiscal year 2014-15.

Barry Callebaut currently operates 11 factories in North America and the new facility will allow it to capitalise on growth opportunities with other customers in the region.

According to estimates, the company expects to achieve 25,000t per annum from the new facility in the near term.

World’s Finest Chocolate CEO Edmond Opler said: "Our long-term agreement with the Barry Callebaut Group guarantees the supply of our 75-year-old family recipe continuing to be made in our facility from ‘bean-to-bar’.

"This partnership allows us to focus our energies on continued growth, manufacturing our finished goods and servicing our many customers."

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Image: Chocolate maker Barry Callebaut plans to invest $5.7m / €5.1m in the fiscal year 2014-15. Photo: courtesy of Barry Callebaut.