MOUSCRON, BELGIUM — Cargill said it has invested €12 million ($14 million) in a new liquid chocolate production line at its facility in Mouscron, Belgium. The production line will open in the last quarter of 2018 and is expected to increase Cargill’s capacity to produce milk and dark chocolate.

“Indulgence is a key driver of the demand for premium chocolate,” said Inge Demeyere, managing director for Cargill’s chocolates and compound activities in Europe. “With the new production line, we will be able to better meet Belgium’s chocolate needs — and offer more quality Belgian chocolate to customers in other global markets who want to benefit from the country’s world-class reputation. At Cargill, we are fully committed to our long-term growth in the Belgian chocolate market.”

Cargill opened the Mouscron chocolate facility in 2003 and doubled production capacity at the plant in June 2015. The facility employs around 150 and processes dark and milk chocolate in liquid and solid form for manufacturers active in confectionery, biscuits, bakery, ice cream and artisanal applications. Cargill also operates a chocolate facility in Antwerp, Belgium, that produces liquid and solid chocolate.