UK: Barry Callebaut is set to buy Burton’s chocolate factory

Cocoa processor giant Barry Callebaut has announced the acquisition of Burton’s Biscuit chocolate factory near Liverpool, UK, for an undisclosed amount.

The Swiss company will acquire the British factory by the end of this year to expand its manufacturing capacity in the country. Burton’s has assured that all employees currently working in the facility would transfer to Barry Callebaut when the deal is completed. Headquartered in St Albans, biscuit producer Burton’s operates manufacturing sites in Blackpool, Edinburgh and Llantarnam.

Additionally, Barry Callebaut has also announced the agreement with the biscuit’s maker for the long term supply of over 12,000 metric tons of chocolate and compound a year to Burton’s after acquiring the manufacturing assets of its facility.

Commenting on the deal, Barry Callebaut CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique said: “We are delighted to strengthen the collaboration with our longstanding customer Burton’s and to further support a great British brand. This transaction is an excellent example of the power of long-term partnerships and outsourcing”.

In a statement, Burton’s Foods CEO Nick Field agreed: “This new partnership, with their larger network and enhanced capabilities, directly supports our intent and commitment to maintain and enhance our industry-leading chocolate biscuit offering”.

Source: British Baker