With the rapid rise in consumer demand for premium, high quality Belgian chocolate, Cargill has invested in a new liquid chocolate production line in its Mouscron production facility in Belgium.

Cargill’s cocoa and chocolate business will open the world-class production line in the last quarter of 2018. With an investment of €12 million ($14 million), the company will be able to further enhance and expand its chocolate capabilities. The investment is a response to growing customer demand for high quality chocolates tailor-made to individual customer specifications, demonstrating Cargill’s continued commitment to providing its customers with a secure and broad supply of bespoke cocoa and chocolate products.

The new production line, along with the company’s deep chocolate knowledge, extensive food experience and R&D proficiency, will help food manufacturers innovate in a market characterized by rapidly changing consumer preferences and expectations.

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. At Cargill, we are fully committed to our long-term growth in the Belgian chocolate market.”

Cargill currently employs approximately 150 people in production and related services in Mouscron. Belgium has been a focal point of Cargill’s cocoa and chocolate business for many years thanks to the country’s iconic chocolate production tradition combined with a strong focus on safety and product integrity. 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.