The Barry Callebaut Group is to acquire and integrate the chocolate production facility of Mondelēz International in Halle, Belgium, resulting in a long-term supply agreement between the two companies.

Under the terms of the deal, Barry Callebaut would supply 30,000 tonnes of liquid chocolate per year to Mondelēz and would make certain products for the international firm that are currently produced at the Halle plant.

Barry Callebaut noted that the agreement would better equip the company to capture business opportunities in the fast-growing segment of speciality ‘made in Belgium’ chocolate and fillings. CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique said: “This is an excellent opportunity for Barry Callebaut to strengthen our global supply strategic supply partnership with Mondelēz International. As a result, we would also be able to expand our manufacturing capacity for quality Belgian chocolate needed to support the continuous growth of our business with both food manufacturers and gourmet and speciality customers.”

The transaction is expected to complete by the end of December 2016. The financial details of the deal remain confidential.

In July Barry Callebaut signed a total traceability deal with Tony’s Chocolonely. 

And in August Mondelēz agreed to buy the global licence for Cadbury branded biscuits from Burton’s Biscuit Company.