One of the world’s largest chocolate and cocoa product manufacturers Barry Callebaut Group has acquired Australian B2B chocolate manufacturer GKC Foods.
GKC is based in Melbourne, privately owned and had been in operation since the 1980s. It produces chocolate, organic and vegan chocolate, coatings and fillings to consumer brands, dedicated chocolate shops, gourmet delis, specialty food outlets, and key national retailers in Australia and New Zealand.
Barry Callebaut said the acquisition was a strategic move to build a direct presence and manufacturing capacity in the Australian market.
The company said: “The acquisition of GKC Foods empowers the group to expand its position in the industrial chocolate market and to leverage its value-adding Gourmet & Specialties business in Australia and New Zealand.
“Barry Callebaut will continue to work with local distributors across Australia and New Zealand who have been importing and distributing its industrial and Gourmet chocolate and cocoa products to the country since the 1970s.”
Barry Callebaut Asia Pacific president Ben De Schryver said: “We strongly believe in the growth opportunities of the Australian and New Zealand chocolate confectionery markets. We already have the highest quality products today and we will further grow our competitive advantage through the acquisition of, and investment in, the best-in-class GKC Foods manufacturing facility in Australia.”
The company’s investment will upgrade and expand the existing factory’s infrastructure, installing a new state-of-the-art chocolate production line and an integrated management system to enhance automated production.
GKC Foods managing director John Borell said the company liked the business principles and team spirit of Barry Callebaut. “I am very proud of the great chocolate business we have built from scratch over the past 35 years. Our agreement with Barry Callebaut will ensure the successful future of GKC Foods and our team as part of a large, international, group,” Borell said.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other closing conditions. Expected completion is before the end of this calendar year. The parties have agreed not to disclose any financial details of the transaction.
