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Puratos has announced its acquisition of Canadian chocolate producer Foley’s, a move that will see the business offer its largest chocolate portfolio yet. Announced as its largest acquisition to date in the chocolate industry, the deal will increase Belgium-headquartered Puratos’ chocolate market share and manufacturing capabilities in North America. Puratos provides ingredients for bakers, patissiers and chocolatiers, serving food companies in over 100 countries around the world. The acquisition is described as a key strategic step for the company as it continues its growth, based on “the pillars of health and well-being, sustainability and innovation”. Foley’s is a provider of real chocolate and compound coatings to industrial manufacturers in North America. The move will expand Puratos’ chocolate offering significantly with a portfolio that includes plant-based, protein-enhanced, no sugar and sugar-reduced solutions. Combined with the latest advancements in nutrition, the company aims to “revolutionise the chocolate landscape”. In a statement, Puratos said the new combined entity will unlock synergies in expertise, manufacturing capacity and R&D. It will also implement a “comprehensive sustainability programme” including ensuring responsible ingredient sourcing and waste reduction. Puratos Canada’s president Michael Simone said that the company sees “huge potential” for its Cacao-Trace chocolate, which has “proven sustainability credentials such as independent life cycle analysis (LCA) data” and for plant-based chocolate, demand for which he described as “soaring” worldwide. Pierre Tossut, CEO at Puratos commented: “Foley’s is an excellent fit with Puratos’ innovation strategy and I have no doubt this acquisition will transform our Canadian chocolate business. Our mission is to help our customers to be even more successful with their business, providing them the best tasting, sustainable chocolate.”