Barry Callebaut and Unilever in global cocoa partnership

Cocoa giant, Barry Callebaut will become a first choice source of cocoa and chocolate for ice cream manufacturer Unilever under a new long-term global partnership.

Under the new agreement, Unilever will source 70% of its cocoa and chocolate products from Barry Callebaut and will see volumes double under the arrangement.

Barry Callebaut is investing €18m (US$24m) into its global factory network to cater to the increased capacity demands under the terms, with volume increases set to be met within 12 months.

Kevin Havelock, president of Unilever’s Refreshment Category, said: “Our ice cream category has a significant role to play in Unilever’s sustainable growth model to deliver our ambition of doubling the size of our business while reducing our environmental impact.”

“We need partners like Barry Callebaut to help us extend this position and achieve our overall aim,” Havelock added.

The two companies already have strong business ties with sustainable cocoa sourcing commitments and the launch of the Magnum ice cream brand.