Cargill Invests EUR56 Million to Expand Chocolate, Oils and R&D Operations in Belgium
Cargill is investing approximately €56 million across three Belgian facilities as the global food company expands manufacturing capacity and strengthens its innovation infrastructure in Europe.
The investment programme includes upgrades at the company’s edible oils facility in Izegem, an expansion of its gourmet chocolate production site in Mouscron, and the development of a new pilot plant at its Innovation Center in Vilvoorde.
The largest investment, valued at €30 million, is being directed to the Mouscron chocolate facility. The project will add 10,500 square metres of manufacturing space and nearly double the site’s production capacity. The facility produces Cargill’s Veliche gourmet chocolate range, serving artisan chocolatiers, foodservice operators and food manufacturers across Europe.
A further €21 million has been invested in the company’s edible oils bottling facility in Izegem, the largest such operation within Cargill’s European network. The project includes the modernisation of around 60% of the site, increased automation and the installation of two new foodservice production lines aimed at improving capacity, efficiency and flexibility.
The remaining €5.4 million will fund a new extrusion pilot plant at the company’s Innovation Center in Vilvoorde. The facility will support product prototyping, ingredient functionality testing and customer collaboration across food, feed and pet food applications. The investment builds on a previously announced €45 million expansion of the Vilvoorde innovation campus.
“Belgium is a key strategic hub for Cargill in Europe, thanks to its strong food industry, close customer connectivity, and advanced logistics infrastructure that enable efficient supply across Western Europe,” said Geert Maesmans, Vice President of R&D for Cargill’s Food business in EMEA and Cargill’s Belgium country lead.
“The investments in Izegem, Mouscron and Vilvoorde demonstrate our confidence in Belgium’s strategic role in helping us meet evolving customer needs. By expanding production capabilities, accelerating innovation and strengthening collaboration, we’re building the resilience and flexibility needed to support our customers’ growth in a rapidly changing food market.”
Cargill has operated in Belgium since 1953 and employs more than 1,500 people across nine locations. The company said the latest investments are designed to support future growth, enhance operational efficiency and accelerate innovation across its European food business.
