Barry Callebaut buy targets instant-drink vending innovations
The company says it is looking to further consolidate its position in higher quality instant drinks by fully acquiring the operations of subsidiary Eurogran for an undisclosed price.
As part of the deal, Eurogran, which produces various food and beverage ingredients for vending machine products, will be incorporated into Barry Callebaut’s own instant powder operations in Sweden.
These operations are classed as part of the group’s Gourmet & Specialties division, according to the company.
“Together with Eurogran, we will be able to broaden our offering for our customers and to strengthen our position across Europe, especially in the UK,” states the group.
Coffee and chocolate
While the subsidiary produces various products such as milk toppings, whiteners, teas and soups for machine distribution, Barry Callebaut claims obtaining the operations will help strengthen its expertise and compliment innovation in coffee and chocolate products in particular.
“A cornerstone of Barry Callebaut's strategy is innovation, and we constantly develop new products,” states a spokesperson for the group. ”A recent example of innovations that we brought to the market is a whole range of flavoured cappuccinos - for example - vanilla and caramel."
A change in an instant
The acquisition follows an announcement earlier this year by retail chain Starbucks of the launch of a new-patented form of coffee it claims can match its trademark espresso beverages, albeit in an instant format.
The coffee retailer claims that it has been working for twenty years on the new technology as part of plans to enter the $17bn instant coffee segment, amidst recent concerns over consumer volatility for higher cost espresso-based drinks.
