Gertrude Hawk makes coatings, inclusions and fillings for various applications.
Chocolate company Barry Callebaut has agreed to acquire the ingredients division of US-based Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, expanding its decorations and inclusions business in North America.
In particular, Gertrude Hawk Ingredients has developed a number of technologies and processes to make ice cream and baking inclusions, with its products supporting brands and retail stores across the US. It builds on the previously announced acquisition of Italian toppings and decorations business D’Orsogna Dolciaria.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Gertrude Hawk Ingredients sold 13,000 tonnes of ingredients and generated €70 million in sales in the last financial year. The acquisition includes a manufacturing facility in Scranton, Pennsylvania, as well as around 370 employees.
Barry Callebaut itself turned over €6.1 billion, employing close to 10,000 people across more than 50 production sites worldwide.
The Swiss company’s CEO, Antoine de Saint-Affrique, said the business ‘intends to further build’ on Gertrude Hawk’s talent and capabilities.
He said: “We continue to consistently execute our ‘smart growth’ strategy by growing our value-added Specialties & Decorations business. Gertrude Hawk Ingredients adds new capabilities, technologies and skilled employees who we are happy to welcome to the Barry Callebaut family.
“The acquisition allows us to expand our product portfolio into new markets, and offer an even wider range of products and services than before. Gertrude Hawk Ingredients will play a cornerstone role in our Specialty & Decorations business.”
Gertrude Hawk Chocolates chairman Dave Hawk said: “Barry Callebaut has at its fingertips everything needed to continue the growth of the business, including a seasoned, highly respected sales force that calls on virtually every baker and ice cream maker of any size around the world.”
Hawk, who is the grandson of founder Gertrude Hawk, also said that Barry Callebaut’s involvement would be good for the local area.
“From a community perspective, this is a dream come true,” he added. “We have the opportunity to bring a world-renowned, state-of-the-art chocolate manufacturer to the Scranton area. How often does that happen?”
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