Cargill Invests in Mouscron Chocolate Facility

Cargill has invested in a new liquid chocolate production line in its Mouscron production facility in Belgium, which means an increase of the company’s capacity to produce milk and dark chocolate, while creating up to 10 new local jobs.

Cargill will open the production line in the last quarter of 2018. With an investment of EUR12m (USD14m), the company will be able to expand its chocolate capabilities.

The new production line, along with the company’s deep chocolate knowledge, will help food manufacturers innovate in a market characterized by rapidly changing consumer preferences and expectations, according to the company.

Inge Demeyere, managing director for Cargill’s chocolates and compound activities in Europe, said: “Indulgence is a key driver of the demand for premium chocolate. With the new production line, we will be able to better meet Belgium’s chocolate needs – and offer more quality Belgian chocolate to customers in other global markets who want to benefit from the country’s world-class reputation.”

Cargill currently employs approximately 150 people in production and related services in Mouscron. The Mouscron facility processes dark and milk chocolate in liquid and solid form for manufacturers active in confectionery, biscuits, bakery, ice cream and artisanal applications. The company has another chocolate site in Belgium, Antwerp, producing liquid and solid chocolate.