AMSTERDAM — Cargill is expanding its specialty cocoa liquor capabilities in France and Germany with a €10 million ($13.8 million) investment to meet growing customer demand for premium and organic chocolate products.
“These liquors are used in our wide range of chocolate recipes and in our organic certified cocoa butter and powders,” said Philippe Huet, managing director of cocoa for Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate.
The investment in Rouen, France, focuses on enhancing and expanding the Fine Flavor range of cocoa liquors. A production line has been dedicated to the manufacturing of small batch specialty liquors with subtle signature tastes. The beans used for the liquors are from specific origin countries such as Venezuela and Ecuador.
Meanwhile, Cargill said the plant in Berlin, Germany, also plays an important role in the production of specialty liquors for the chocolate market and the investment significantly increases its capacity in response to additional demand for quality liquor.
“Our customers expect us to keep innovating and adding value to their products, and these investments are focused on delivering for their success,” Mr. Huet said.