Natra to establish chocolate production facility in Canada

Spanish chocolate and cocoa processor Natra plans to establish a new chocolate production facility in London, Ontario, Canada, with an investment of $15.8m, as part of its efforts to meet the increasing demand for its products in North America.

The announcement was made by London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC).

The 100,000ft² facility is likely to go onstream in early 2014, creating 60 new jobs and is expected to have an output of 12,000t.

Natra stated that the London facility will be grouped under the company’s consumer goods division, which is engaged in the manufacture of tablets, count lines, spreads, chocolates and Belgian specialities.

With the construction of the new facility, the company is seeking to boost sales in the North American market, which accounted for 12% of the company’s consumer goods division sales in 2012.

In addition, sales in the region increased by 123% to €29m at the end of 2012, compared with €13m in 2011.

Natra CEO Mikel Beita said: "With the increased presence of Natra in North America, we estimate that the consumer goods division’s sales in this market will double again in the next three years."

LEDC interim general manager Kapil Lakhotia said that Natra is a valuable addition to the cluster of food and beverage manufacturers already established in London, including Nestle, McCormick, Cargill and Labatt.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Business Development Branch played a prominent role in securing Natra’s investment in Ontario.

Headquartered in Madrid, Spain, Natra is engaged in the production and commercialisation of cocoa derivatives and chocolate products for private label brands and international food companies.

The company offers cocoa butter, cocoa powder, bulk chocolate, chocolate powder, chocolate bars, tablets, and Belgian chocolates, as well as chocolate coating products.

Natra serves clients across five continents through its four specialised production centres in Spain, Belgium and France.

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Image: With the construction of the new chocolate facility, Natra is seeking to boost sales in the North American market. Photo courtesy of Siostra Nocy.