Prime Highlights:
- Barry Callebaut is investing €250 million to modernize its Wieze plant, the largest chocolate factory in the world, strengthening its European operations.
- The upgrades will improve production efficiency, food safety, and working conditions while maintaining a reliable chocolate supply across Europe and beyond.
Key Facts:
- Barry Callebaut has over 60 factories worldwide and made CHF 14.8 billion in sales in 2024/25.
- An additional €125 million will be invested in the Halle facility, highlighting Belgium’s strategic role in the company’s operations.
Background:
Barry Callebaut, the Swiss-Belgian cocoa and chocolate maker, will invest €250 million to upgrade its main production plant in Wieze, Belgium, the world’s largest chocolate factory. The investment is part of the company’s plan to strengthen its European operations amid challenges in the global cocoa market and supply chain.
An extra €125 million will go to improvements at the Halle facility, showing Belgium’s key role in Barry Callebaut’s operations.
The multi-year project at Wieze will modernize production lines, improve food safety and quality, and make on-site logistics more efficient. The plan includes building a ring road to improve traffic and reduce safety and environmental risks. These upgrades will help the factory keep supplying chocolate and cocoa products to customers across Europe and beyond.
Part of the investment will be allocated under Barry Callebaut’s “BC Next Level” programme, launched in 2023 to boost operational efficiency, cost discipline, and service performance. The remainder will be used for routine capital expenditure to maintain and improve critical infrastructure.
Wim Debedts, Managing Director for the Benelux and Nordics regions, said the investments reinforce the company’s ability to deliver quality, value, and service to customers worldwide. He said that modernizing the Wieze plant is key to ensuring long-term supply commitments.
Plant officials also mentioned that the plan will improve working conditions and safety for employees. The Halle facility will also be upgraded, adding extra production capacity within Europe.
Barry Callebaut has 60+ factories and made CHF 14.8 billion in 2024/25. This investment shows confidence in chocolate and the importance of its Belgian plants.
