Cargill to launch chocolate manufacturing facility in India

Global food company Cargill has announced the launch of its first chocolate manufacturing operation in Asia to meet the growing demand from the regional food industry.

As part of this initiative, the company has partnered with a local manufacturer in western India.

Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate Asia-Pacific managing director Francesca Kleemans said: “Asia is a key growth market for Cargill. Opening a chocolate manufacturing operation in India allows us to increase our regional footprint and capabilities in Asia to better support the needs of our local Indian customers as well as multi-national customers in the region.

“It also demonstrates our commitment to supporting the local economy with the addition of 100 new manufacturing jobs.”

Cargill added that the consumer demand for chocolate products is growing steadily in the Asia market.

The new chocolate manufacturing facility is expected to become operational by mid-2021, with an initial annual chocolate production capacity of 10,000t.

The facility is also expected to create nearly 100 new employment opportunities in the region.

Kleemans added: “Combining local insights from our experience and long term presence as a food ingredient supplier in India with our global cocoa and chocolate expertise, we aim to become the leading supplier and trusted partner for our bakery, ice cream and confectionary customers in Asia, who will use our chocolate compounds, chips and paste to create products that will delight local palates.”

In addition, Cargill said that its customers can make use of its research and development network of food scientists and experts present at it regional innovation centres in Singapore, Shanghai and India, to make new chocolate products that bring sensory experiences in terms of colours and flavours specific to regional and local tastes and consumption patterns.

Earlier this month, Cargill announced an investment in its facility in Kalmthout, Belgium, to its increase gourmet chocolate manufacturing capabilities.

Cargill’s €3.5m ($3.9m) investment will see the addition of a fifth gourmet production line and new chocolate tanks within the existing facility.

The funding is also expected to create 12 new employment opportunities and greater production flexibility.