Mary Barnard of Mondelēz International Is Elected CAOBISCO President

Mary Barnard, president of Chocolate Europe at Mondelēz International was elected president of Chocolate, Biscuits and Confectionery of Europe association (CAOBISCO) for a two-year term at the association’s recent general assembly in Otranto, Italy.

She is succeeding Alessandro Cagli, director of the Ferrero Group EU Public Affairs Office (Brussels), who now becomes vice president.

At the helm of Europe’s biggest chocolate business, Barnard is the first female business leader to be elected to the role of president of the CAOBISCO association. She began her term of office as of June 15.

“It’s an exciting time to take on this position as our industry adapts to changing consumer expectations and a dynamic policy environment. As confectioners, chocolate-makers and bakers, we have unique story to tell about the enjoyment and nourishment we provide to consumers across the continent, and how we create value and opportunities across the supply chain in Europe, and beyond,” Barnard said.

“CAOBISCO represents business of all sizes and thus plays an essential role for our industry in actively promoting the sector and its interests. I look forward to engaging with CAOBISCO members and other stakeholders in the months ahead.”

Areas of focus for the two-year presidency include contributing meaningfully on behalf of the industry to the debate on mindful consumption and the benefits of providing a wide range of options for consumers, as well as continuing to advocate for the industry in Brussels and, through national associations, across member states, according to the association.

A British national, Barnard is responsible for chocolate brands such as Cadbury, Milka, Côte d’Or and Toblerone at Mondelēz International and is a passionate advocate for the company’s global Cocoa sustainability program, Cocoa Life.