Barry Callebaut to acquire Russia’s chocolate producer Inforum

Barry Callebaut Group has expanded its presence in the Russian market by signing an agreement to acquire business-to-business (B2B) producer of chocolate and coatings Inforum.

The deal’s financial details have not been disclosed by the companies.

Barry Callebaut Group CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique said: “We are delighted to join forces with such an established, locally ingrained Russian company. Inforum’s heritage and local knowledge, combined with our innovation capabilities and international experience, will reinforce each other’s strengths.

“Together, we will be able to bring further excellence and innovation to the market and to serve Russian consumer chocolate manufacturers even better.”

With the acquisition, Barry Callebaut intends enhance its production capacity in the region and provide leverage to its gourmet and specialties business to further increase market penetration in CIS countries and export markets.

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval and other closing conditions, is expected to be completed by the year-end.

Upon completion of the deal, Inforum employees will be part of the Barry Callebaut Group.

Inforum strategic development director Evgeny Bulytov said: “Our agreement with Barry Callebaut will ensure the successful future of Inforum and our team as part of a large, international group. We really like the business principles and the team spirit on which Barry Callebaut is based.

“One of the co-founders, Victor Voitov, will remain associated with the company as future chairman of the board of Barry Callebaut NL Russia and actively support the integration of Inforum into the Barry Callebaut Group during the transition period.”

Established in 1989 by four entrepreneurs, Inforum currently operates a production site in Kasimov, Ryazan Oblast, and employs more than 300 people.