Cargill expands cocoa processing facilities in France and Germany

American agribusiness giant Cargill is expanding its cocoa processing facilities in Rouen, France, and Berlin, Germany.

The €10m expansion will boost the company’s speciality cocoa liquors capabilities at the facilities, and allow it to meet increasing consumer demand for premium and organic chocolate products.

Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate cocoa managing director Philippe Huet said that the liquors are used in a wide range of chocolate recipes and organic certified cocoa butter and powders manufactured by the company.

"Our customers expect us to keep innovating and adding value to their products, and these investments are focused on delivering for their success," Huet added.

Cargill will add a new production line at the Rouen site to manufacture small batches of speciality liquors and will focus on expanding its Fine Flavor range of cocoa liquors.

The liquors use cocoa beans sourced from countries with distinctive characteristics, such as the mild and creamy taste of Venezuelan beans, or the flowery aroma of those from Ecuador.

The Fine Flavor range production line is designed to retain the flavours specific to each origin and ensure the purity of certified organic products, Cargill said.

The Berlin facility, which provides speciality liquors for the chocolate market, will have an increased capacity to meet additional demand for quality liquor.

The investment comes after the company’s $48m expansion to double chocolate production capacity its Belgium facility.

Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate produces cocoa and chocolate ingredients, and caters to the bakery, confectionery and dairy segments.

The company’s product portfolio includes Gerkens cocoa powders, coatings, fillings, cocoa liquors and cocoa butters.

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Image: Cocoa liquors are used in chocolate recipes, cocoa butter and powders. Photo courtesy of Cargill, Incorporated.