Barry Callebaut Strengthens Specialities Business in Europe
Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, is strengthening its Specialties business in Europe by acquiring the commercial beverages vending activities from FrieslandCampina Kievit for an undisclosed sum. The transaction also includes a long-term contract manufacturing agreement under which FrieslandCampina Kievit will continue to produce vending products for Barry Callebaut, such as the Satro Quality Drinks range, at its state-of-the-art production site in Lippstadt, Germany. The acquired activities represent approx. 20,000 tonnes of additional sales volume and SFr55 million (Eur50 million) of additional sales revenue for Barry Callebaut.
Antoine de Saint-Affrique, chief of the Barry Callebaut Group, says: “Our Beverage business has recorded strong growth in the past fiscal year, benefiting from the increasing trend towards out-of-home consumption. With the acquisition of the commercial beverages vending activities of FrieslandCampina Kievit, we strengthen our range of specialties products. This is fully in line with our goal to drive ‘smart’ growth, i.e. focusing on margin-accretive products and accelerating our growth in Gourmet & Specialties.”
Andrew Fleming, Vice President Beverages, added: “This transaction allows us to further develop our beverage and vending business by getting access to the latest process technology, increasing our innovation power and expanding our product offering – this all to the benefit of our customers.”
Barry Callebaut’s Vending & Beverages division is part of the Gourmet & Specialties Products Group. With two production locations in Sweden and the UK, it is a major player in the European beverage and vending industry. The Beverage business specializes in the manufacture and supply of highly soluble chocolate, cappuccino and other powders for use across all aspects of the beverage sector. It has leading R&D capabilities and operates unique state-of-the-art facilities.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Closing of the transaction is expected within the first quarter of 2016.
