In an effort to capture more of the Eastern European market, Barry Callebaut has announced plans to build a factory in Eskisehir, Turkey.

The company says the $16-million facility will be used to manufacture chocolate and compounds and will have an initial capacity of 15,000 tons. The plant is scheduled to open in the middle of next year and will create about 50 jobs.

Eskisehir, which is in Turkey’s Central Anatolia region, was chosen because it is close to some of Barry Callebaut’s existing and potential confectionery customers, the company says.  

Juergen Steinemann, Barry Callebaut’s ceo, says the new factory is another major step in tapping the region’s potential growth.  

“It's in line with our strategy to further expand our geographic presence to markets that offer above-average growth opportunities,” he explains.

Currently the yearly chocolate consumption in Turkey is less than 2 kg per capita; but it is growing at an annual rate of +7% per year, according to information from Euromonitor quoted by Barry Callebaut.

And, there’s an increasing demand for high-quality chocolate and compound products as well as for technical services and new innovations.

Barry Callebaut is the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products.