Over the next few months the company plans to invest nearly CHF25 million (€22 million/US$ 31 million) upgrading and expanding its facilities.

By the beginning of 2012 all the improvements should be complete.

This move follows the sale its European consumer business Stollwerck to the Belgian Baronie Group in July.

"With the planned investments we will not only strengthen our industrial footprint in western Europe," said Massimo Garavaglia, president of Barry Callebaut western Europe.

"We are also investing in our network of chocolate academies to support the further growth of our gourmet business."

In response to increased demand for solid products, Barry Callebaut is expanding its chocolate moulding capacities by building a new line in Banbury, UK and in Meulan, France.

In addition the company aims to expand its gourmet and specialties products business by building a new Callebaut chocolate academy in Wieze, Belgium.