The Barry Callebaut Group has signed an agreement with Burton’s Biscuit Company, the UK’s second biggest biscuit manufacturer, for the long-term supply of over 12,000 metric tons of chocolate and compound per year. At the same time, Barry Callebaut would acquire the chocolate manufacturing assets at Burton’s Biscuit Company’s chocolate factory in Moreton, Wirral, near Liverpool. Barry Callebaut would continue producing chocolate at the Moreton site. According to the company, all employees currently engaged in the manufacture of chocolate at the Moreton facility would transfer to Barry Callebaut upon completion of the transaction.

As a result, Barry Callebaut would be able to expand its manufacturing capacity in the UK, one of Europe’s largest chocolate confectionery markets in volume terms (source: Euromonitor) and an important growth area for the company. The transaction is subject to closing conditions and regulatory approval by the competent authorities. Completion of the transaction is expected by the end of the calendar year. The two parties have agreed not to disclose any financial details.