Barry Callebaut has inaugurated a new CHF16m ($17m) chocolate facility in Eskiehir, Turkey, to further expand into the country's fast-growing chocolate market and strengthen presence in the EEMEA region.
The facility has an initial production capacity of 14,000 tons per annum. It is situated close to existing and potential new confectionery customers.
Barry Callebaut CEO Juergen Steinemann said, "This new local presence is another important step in continuing our expansion in fast-growing chocolate markets and widens our footprint."
"Now we are in an even better position to capitalize on the future growth of the attractive Turkish as well as neighboring markets," Steinemann added.
Barry Callebaut EEMEA region president Filip De Reymaeker said, "There is significant growth potential for us here as demand for high-quality chocolate, technical services and new innovations is growing fast."
"Being centrally located in Eskisehir means we are now closer to the customers we want to serve and to the raw materials we need - all within an ideal radius of 400 km from our factory," Reymaeker added.
The company is set to open a Chocolate Academy center in Istanbul, a training center for professionals such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakeries, hotels, restaurants and caterers.
