Chocolate specialist Barry Callebaut has said that it has entered into a ‘long-term supply agreement’ with biscuit firm Burton’s Biscuit Company.
The agreement will see more than 12,000 metric tons of chocolate and compound per year supplied to the biscuit firm for use in its products.
At the same time, the deal will see Barry Callebaut acquire the chocolate manufacturing assets of Burton’s Biscuit Company in Moreton, Wirral, near Liverpool.
The chocolate maker will use this move to expand its production capacity in the UK, it said in a statement.
Longstanding Support
“We are delighted to strengthen the collaboration with our longstanding customer Burton’s and to further support a great British brand,” commented Antoine de Saint-Affrique, CEO of the Barry Callebaut Group.
“This transaction is an excellent example of the power of long-term partnerships and outsourcing. It is also a clear sign of our commitment to support the growth of our business in the UK market.”
Under the terms of the deal, all employees currently engaged in the manufacture of chocolate at the Moreton facility will transfer to Barry Callebaut upon completion of the transaction.
The deal is subject to competition approval, which is expected to be granted by the end of the calendar year.
“Barry Callebaut shares our passion and motivation for baking the best quality products for our customers and consumers,” said Nick Field, CEO of Burton’s Food Ltd.
“This new partnership, with their larger network and enhanced capabilities, directly supports our intent and commitment to maintain and enhance our industry-leading chocolate biscuit offering.”
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
