The Group said customers ranging from distributors to chefs in the region would be able to buy products directly from the company, with a delivery route from the state capital of Alagoas, resulting in shorter lead times. The Bahia region (one of Brazil’s main cocoa-growing areas) will continue to be supplied by the factory in Extrema, Minas Gerais.
The new venture by Barry Callebaut will increase proximity to customers in the region of the country, offering better shipping terms to partners. “Our expanded reach in the region will improve our ability to not only serve a greater range of customers but will also provide greater speed to serve the market,” said Paul Halliwell, Managing Director of South America at Barry Callebaut Group. With more agile deliveries and less need for inventory by customers, Barry Callebaut’s expectation is for an increase of approximately 20% in sales to the region.
In Brazil, the Group markets products under the brands Callebaut (Belgian-made), Cacao Barry (French), Carma (Swiss), Sicao (local) and Mona Lisa (global decorations brand). Since 2010, it has had a chocolate factory in Extrema (MG) - Barry Callebaut's first in South America - which uses Brazilian cocoa beans from Bahia and Pará to produce Sicao's chocolates, fillings, toppings and confections. “Barry Callebaut is always looking for expansion opportunities to optimize access to our product range. The arrival in Maceió is another step in getting closer to our current and future customers,” said Bruno Scarpa, Commercial Director of South America at Barry Callebaut Group.