The factory is servicing many confectionery businesses along the West Coast by producing specialty and standard-range chocolates in liquid and molded formats.
At the heart of the project is an increase in liquid capacity through investment in new equipment, along with expansion of the company’s tank farm, Barry Callebaut vice president of business development, Jerry Hagedorn, told ConfectioneryNews.
Hagedorn added that the facility expansion following increased - and forecast - demand in the region.
“In working closely with our customers, we aim to be responsive to their current needs as well as anticipate future demands,” he said.
Eyeing opportunities on the West Coast
Although much of the industry’s capacity is focused on the East Coast, this doesn’t mean the West Coast is not an exciting market, added Hagedorn.
“The western US has a faster population growth rate than the east, adding four million in population over the past five years,” he said. “That growth comes with demand for chocolate products that consumers love.”
Barry Callebaut anticipates the US will continue to be a major contributor to the company’s overall growth in the future.
Regional Americas sales up 4.7%
In the last fiscal year, volume in the business's Region Americas division, which includes the US, grew by 4.7%.
“The Barry Callebaut Group’s strategic pillars include expansion, innovation, cost leadership and sustainable cocoa,” he said. “Our activities in the US are guided by these well-defined pillars, ensuring we achieve our regional business objectives and contribute to overall global objectives for the company.”