Barry Callebaut to Acquire American Chocolate Decorations Manufacturer
Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products, is acquiring Mona Lisa Food Products, a leader in chocolate decorations products in the US. The currently privately owned company will be integrated into Barry Callebaut’s North American Gourmet & Specialties Products business.
The acquisition of Mona Lisa confirms Barry Callebaut’s intention to further accelerate the growth of its Gourmet & Specialties Products business and to add more adjacent products to the company’s offerings for professional users of chocolate such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers and the HORECA business (hotels, restaurants, catering). With the acquisition of Mona Lisa Food Products, Barry Callebaut will also strengthen its global footprint and establish a dedicated foothold for decorations products in the US. The newly acquired company complements the business activities of Barry Callebaut’s center of competence for chocolate decorations located in Zundert (The Netherlands).
Mona Lisa Food Products generated sales revenue approaching SFr9 million (Eur8 million) in 2011 with employs about 40 people. The deal is expected to close in March 2012. The two parties have agreed not to disclose any financial details of the transaction.
