Cargill inaugurates the expanded chocolate facility in Belgium
The EUR 35 million investment doubles production capacity for a product range including dark and milk liquid chocolate, drops and chunks and lactose-free dark chocolate for Cargill’s newly expanded chocolate facility in Mouscron, Belgium.
The extension comprises additional production lines, storage tanks and warehouse space and is complemented by new social rooms for operators and office space. The new building has been designed with high-tech co-generation equipment aiming to reduce energy consumption by up to 30 per cent.
The facility was officially opened in the presence of the Minister President of the Fédération Bruxelles Wallonie, Mr. Rudy Demotte, Mrs. Inge Demeyere, managing director of Cargill’s chocolate business Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and Asia together with local dignitaries and customers.
“Our customers are turning to us to provide market insights, creative solutions, high quality products and reliable supply. With the extension of our facility, we are now able to open up to new and almost unlimited opportunities, enabling us to address the consumer trends of the future,” said Inge Demeyere. “We are building on a strong heritage in cocoa and chocolate together with our customers. This is the result of a dedicated focus on innovation and a unique combination of our food ingredients portfolio.”
The chocolate facility in Mouscron opened in 2003 and some 150 people work on site. It serves customers worldwide and has developed a unique know-how for Belgian chocolate. Together with the other sites in Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, Cargill’s cocoa and chocolate business has a strong network and capabilities to serve a wide range of customers.
Main photo explanation from left to right:
~ Cis Van Doninck, Cargill VP of Finance Food Ingredients & Systems and General Manager Belgium
~ Inge Demeyere, Managing Director Cargill Chocolate EMEA & Asia
~ Rudy Demotte, Ministre-Président de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles
~ Jos de Loor, President Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate
Botton photo explanation: Inside Cargill’s new facility.
