Barry Callebaut wraps up acquisition of GKC Foods (Australia)

Barry Callebaut acquisition of GKC Foods : Switzerland-based Barry Callebaut Group has wrapped up its previously announced acquisition of GKC Foods (Australia), a producer of chocolate, coatings and fillings, that caters to various consumer chocolate brands in Australia and New Zealand.

Financial terms of the deal, which was announced in May 2020, remained to be undisclosed.

The acquisition establishes the direct presence and manufacturing capacity for Barry Callebaut in Australia to serve the Australian and New Zealand markets. Furthermore, the deal is said to empower the Swiss chocolate and cocoa products company to grow its position in the industrial chocolate market and to utilize its gourmet and specialties business in the two countries.

Manufacturing “Made in Australia” chocolate and confectionery products from the 1980s, GKC Foods has been producing a variety of products such as organic and vegan chocolate for dedicated chocolate shops, gourmet delis, specialty food outlets, and major national retailers. GKC Foods runs a chocolate factory and a warehouse in Melbourne.

Barry Callebaut acquisition of GKC Foods. Photo courtesy of The Barry Callebaut Group.

Barry Callebaut said that its investment will also be used for upgrading and expanding the existing infrastructure of the chocolate factory in Melbourne. The Swiss confectionery group will install a new chocolate production line and also deploy an integrated management system to improve automated production.

Additionally, Barry Callebaut will employ nearly 50 people at the chocolate factory, including existing employees of GKC Foods.

Ben De Schryver – President of Barry Callebaut in Region Asia Pacific, commenting on Barry Callebaut acquisition of GKC Foods,said: “We are happy to welcome the team of GKC Foods to the Barry Callebaut family. The heritage and local knowledge GKC Foods has built since the 1980s, combined with the expertise, the state of the art manufacturing processes and the capabilities of an undisputed leader in chocolate and cocoa innovation will bring further excellence to the Australia and New Zealand markets.

“We strongly believe in the growth opportunities in these still largely captive markets.”