Dunya – Swiss-based chocolate and cocoa products maker Barry Callebaut is to invest in a production plant in Türkiye. The facility to be built in the Central Anatolian province of Eskisehir will serve as a basis to address the growing Turkish domestic market as well as regional markets, a statement from the company read.
The Belgian-French chocolate maker will spend CHF 15 million (EUR 12 million / USD 16 million) for the plant with a production capacity of 15,000 tons per year. Scheduled to open in the summer of 2013, the facility will create employment for 50 people.
Speaking of the investment in Türkiye, Juergen Steinemann, CEO of Barry Callebaut said that the modern factory to be built in Türkiye is a major step in tapping the potential of a rapidly growing region. “The new production facility will help to foster our position in a rapidly growing domestic market and expand our presence to promising new markets…” he added.
Yearly chocolate consumption in Türkiye is less than 2 kg per capita, however at a growth rate of 7 percent per year the country carries an enormous potential for confectionery makers. Another European chocolatier, Ferrero of Italy, has invested EUR 90 million in a factory in Türkiye, also slated to enter production in 2013.