Barry Callebaut closes acquisition of FPI cocoa factory in Philadelphia
Press Release
Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products, announced today the closing of its acquisition of 100% of Food Processing International, Inc. (FPI) in the United States, as announced in October 2007. The acquisition includes the takeover of FPI’s factory in Eddystone near Philadelphia with a capacity for cocoa liquor production of 25,000 metric tons per year.
Barry Callebaut intends to increase the production capacity of the factory to 50,000 metric tons (110 million pounds) within the next 2 to 3 years to meet its own growing needs for semi-finished products as well as to supply third-party customers. The capacity expansion will include pressing, grinding and deodorizing equipment to make cocoa butter, cocoa powder and cocoa liquor. The cocoa processing factory in Eddystone will allow Barry Callebaut to further optimize its factory network and supply chain in North America.
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Barry Callebaut:
With annual sales of more than CHF 4 billion (USD 3.5 billion) for fiscal year 2006/07, Zurich-based Barry Callebaut is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products – from the cocoa bean to the finished product on the store shelf. Barry Callebaut is present in 23 countries, operates 37 production facilities and employs more than 8,000 people. The company serves the entire food industry, from food manufacturers to professional users of chocolate (such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs or bakers), to global retailers. It also provides a comprehensive range of services in the fields of product development, processing, training and marketing.
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