Premium chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art, cocoa facility in Durán, Ecuador.

Upon completion, the site will receive, dry, clean and store cocoa beans and prepare for export to cocoa and chocolate factories in the US, Canada, Asia and Europe. The project represents a significant investment in Ecuador as Barry Callebaut continues to develop the value chain of the fast-growing cocoa producing country.

“As a global leader in the cocoa and chocolate industry, we are excited about the opportunities associated with Ecuador cocoa bean production as well as its great growth potential,” says Steven Retzlaff, president global cocoa, Barry Callebaut. “We are proud to continue investing in a country where we have been present since 2007.”

“With this state-of-the-art infrastructure, we are making a long-term commitment to the country and its cocoa producing sector,” says Angela Gubser, managing director Ecuador, Barry Callebaut. “Our team is looking forward to moving into the new premises, further developing business relations with existing and new partners and enhancing our sustainability programs with the Ecuadorian cocoa farmers.”