With the growing demand for authentic Belgian chocolate, Cargill has invested in a new liquid chocolate production line for its Mouscron production facility in Belgium for €12 million.
The major investment is will enable the company to further enhance and expand the facility’s capacity to produce milk and dark chocolate, as well as create new local jobs.
Cargill Europe chocolates and compound activities managing director Inge Demeyere said: "With the new production line, we will be able to better meet Belgium’s chocolate needs and offer more quality Belgian chocolate to customers in other global markets who want to benefit from the country’s world-class reputation.
“At Cargill, we are fully committed to our long-term growth in the Belgian chocolate market.”
The new production line will leverage the company’s expertise in chocolate, along with its research and development (R&D) proficiency. It is expected to help food manufacturers improve innovative ideas in a market characterised by rapidly changing consumer preferences and expectations.
Cargill’s Mouscron facility employs a workforce of approximately 150 people and aims to create up to ten new local jobs in the investment.
Cargill’s cocoa and chocolate business offers a wide range of standard and customised cocoa and chocolate ingredients, which are used in bakery, confectionery and dairy applications worldwide.The site processes both dark and milk chocolate in liquid and solid forms for manufacturers active in the production of confectionery, biscuits, bakery, ice-cream and various artisan products.
The company operates in another chocolate site in Antwerp, Belgium, which is engaged in the production of liquid and solid chocolate.
Its product range currently includes Gerkens cocoa powders, chocolate, coatings, fillings, cocoa liquors and cocoa butter.
The new production technology is expected to be operational by the end of 2018.