Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate is geared up to invest around $48m in Belgian chocolate production facility in Mouscron, in a move to double the capacity over the next two years.
The new production lines at the facility are scheduled to become operational in summer 2014, while this expansion is expected to create around 40 new jobs.
This additional capacity will cater to the increasing consumer demand for chocolate in confectionary, bakery, dairy and artisanal applications across Europe.
The new facility will source raw materials like cocoa butter from Cargill's integrated cocoa processing plants in the Netherlands and France.
Commenting on the expansion plan, Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate president Jos de Loor said that with this investment, Cargill demonstrates its commitment to providing its customers with a broader and more bespoke service and enlarged range of chocolate recipes to meet their individual needs.
"The extension of our state-of-the-art facility in Mouscron along with our food ingredient expertise will support our cocoa and chocolate growth strategy," added Loor.
Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate produces and sells chocolate and confectionery ingredients for baking, confectionery and dairy industries in North America.
It offers chocolate coatings, compound coatings, chocolate chunks and random chips, drops, specialty items, sugar free products, and cocoa powders for bakery needs.
