Cargill invests €12m to expand Mouscron facility in Belgium

Cargill has invested in a new liquid chocolate production line for its Mouscron production facility in Belgium in order to meet the growing demand for Belgian chocolate.

The €12m investment is anticipated to allow the company to further enhance and expand the facility’s capacity to produce milk and dark chocolate, as well as create up to ten new local jobs.

The new production technology is expected to be operational by the final quarter of this year.

Cargill Europe chocolates and compound activities managing director Inge Demeyere 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.”

The new production line will leverage the company’s expertise in chocolate, along with its research and development (R&D) proficiency.

It is expected to help food manufacturers improve innovation in a market characterised by rapidly changing consumer preferences and expectations.

Cargill’s Mouscron facility employs a workforce of approximately 150 people.

The site processes both dark and milk chocolate in liquid and solid forms for manufacturers active in the production of confectionery, biscuits, bakery, ice-cream and artisanal products.

The company also operates another chocolate site in Belgium, Antwerp, which is engaged in the production of liquid and solid chocolate.

Cargill’s cocoa and chocolate business offers a wide range of standard and customised cocoa and chocolate ingredients, which are used in bakery, confectionery and dairy applications worldwide.

Its product range currently includes Gerkens cocoa powders, chocolate, coatings, fillings, cocoa liquors and cocoa butter.