PRZOOM - /newswire/ - Zurich, Switzerland, 2016/09/15 - Expanding production capacity for chocolate “Made in Belgium” [NASDAQ: MDLZ] - MondelezInternational.com / Barry-Callebaut.com. BARN

• Barry Callebaut announces its intention to acquire and integrate the chocolate production facility of Mondelēz International in Halle, Belgium, in its network
• Long-term agreement for the supply of additional 30,000 tonnes of liquid chocolate per year
• Barry Callebaut to strengthen its capacity in the rapidly growing field of quality Belgian chocolate

The Barry Callebaut Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, announced today its intention to acquire and integrate the chocolate production facility of Mondelēz International in Halle, Belgium. Mondelēz International would enter into an agreement with Barry Callebaut for the long-term supply of 30,000 tonnes of liquid chocolate per annum. Under a toll-manufacturing agreement, Barry Callebaut would make certain consumer products for Mondelēz International that are currently produced at the chocolate plant in Halle.

As a result of this transaction, Barry Callebaut would be better equipped to capture business opportunities in the fast growing segment of specialty chocolate and fillings “Made in Belgium”.

CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique said: “This is an excellent opportunity for Barry Callebaut to strengthen our global strategic supply partnership with Mondelēz International. As a result, we would also be able to expand our manufacturing capacity for quality Belgian chocolate needed to support the continuous growth of our business with both Food Manufacturers and Gourmet & Specialties customers. This all demonstrates our continued commitment to Belgium and reflects the excellent reputation that Belgian chocolate enjoys globally.”

The expected closing of the transaction is by the end of December 2016, after completing works council consultation. The transaction is subject to closing conditions. The two parties have agreed not to disclose any financials of the transaction.

About Barry Callebaut Group

With annual sales of about CHF 6.2 billion (EUR 5.6 billion / USD 6.6 billion) in fiscal year 2014/15, the Zurich-based Barry Callebaut Group (barry-callebaut.com) is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products from sourcing and processing cocoa beans to producing the finest chocolates, including chocolate fillings, decorations and compounds. The Group runs more than 50 production facilities worldwide and employs a diverse and dedicated global workforce of more than 9,000 people.

The Barry Callebaut Group serves the entire food industry, from industrial food manufacturers to artisanal and professional users of chocolate, such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers, hotels, restaurants or caterers. The two global brands catering to the specific needs of these Gourmet customers are Callebaut® and Cacao Barry®.The Barry Callebaut Group is committed to sustainable cocoa production to help ensure future supplies of cocoa and improve farmer livelihoods. It supports the Cocoa Horizons Foundation in its goal to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future.

About Mondelēz International

Mondelēz International, Inc. (mondelezinternational.com) is a global snacking powerhouse, with 2015 net revenues of approximately $30 billion.  Creating delicious moments of joy in 165 countries, Mondelēz International is a world leader in biscuits, chocolate, gum, candy and powdered beverages, with billion-dollar brands such as Oreo, LU and Nabisco biscuits; Cadbury, Cadbury Dairy Milk and Milka chocolate; and Trident gum.  Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, NASDAQ 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

Agency / Source: Barry Callebaut AG

Availability: All Regions (Including Int'l)

Traffic Booster: [/] Quick PRZOOM - Press & Newswire Visibility Checker

Distribution / Indexing: [+]  / [Company listed above is a registered member of our network. Content made possible by PRZOOM / PRTODAY indexing services]