Bakbel Europe’s new ¤6m fruit fillings and jam factory near Brussels was officially opened by the minister for economy of the Walloon region in Belgium last Friday.

The site, a joint venture between the Bakels Group and Didier Ladriere, an expert in fruit-based products, can potentially produce up to 100 tonnes of filling a day.

"Until now, one of the gaps in our portfolio has been fruit-based products such as fruit fillings and glazes," chairman of the Bakels Group, Armin Ulrich, told British Baker. "Quality is our main focus; for example, blueberries are the wild Canadian variety."?

Bakbel will receive up to 18% in subsidies from the Belgium government, depending on how many, and the quality, of jobs that it creates. Currently, 80 people work at the factory.