Under the terms of the agreement, Barry Callebaut will become Unilever’s strategic global supplier and innovation partner of choice for its cocoa and chocolate needs.
This new global supply agreement builds on the existing long-standing working relationship and will nearly double Barry Callebaut’s current volumes with Unilever.
Ultimately Barry Callebaut will provide 70% of Unilever’s global cocoa and chocolate products. This will be achieved under a wide-ranging joint business development plan involving close co-operation across the areas of innovation, sustainable sourcing, capacity expansion and value improvement.
Kevin Havelock, president of Unilever’s refreshment category, said: “Our Ice Cream category has a significant role to play in Unilever’s sustainable growth model to deliver our ambition of doubling the size of our business whilst reducing our environmental impact. Our leadership position has been built on great taste, innovation and increasingly sustainable ingredients. We need partners like Barry Callebaut to help us extend this position and achieve our overall aim.”
As a result of the agreement, Barry Callebaut will invest approximately CHF 22m (€18m) in its worldwide factory network in order to prepare the capacity required to fulfil the long-term partnership agreement. The additional volumes have a ramp-up period of 12 months, starting immediately.
Barry Callebaut has also been working closely with Unilever to meet its sustainable cocoa sourcing commitments.
The parties agreed not to disclose any further terms of the agreement.
Source: Barry Callebaut
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