Zurich, Switzerland/Hershey, Pa., U.S.A., July 17, 2007 – Barry Callebaut, the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products, and The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY), North America's leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and confectionery products, today announced that they have entered into agreements for a strategic supply and innovation partnership. In May 2007, the parties announced their intention to enter into these agreements. Barry Callebaut will start liquid chocolate and finished product deliveries to Hershey within the next few months.
Richard H. Lenny, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Hershey Company, said, “We look forward to working with Barry Callebaut to expand our growth in the global chocolate market and to deliver superior new product innovation. Barry Callebaut is a worldwide leader in premium chocolate and innovation, and this alliance provides Hershey with immediate access to these capabilities.”
Patrick De Maeseneire, Chief Executive Officer of Barry Callebaut, said, “I am very pleased that we have successfully completed this agreement with Hershey. The agreement will transform our business in the Americas by significantly increasing our production capacities for chocolate and by optimizing our operational setup in the region. We expect to supply about 80,000 metric tonnes to Hershey per year. The transaction is again evidence of the ongoing outsourcing trend in the chocolate industry, which I think is only just beginning. Barry Callebaut is well positioned to further benefit from this development. We also look forward to working closely with Hershey on innovation activities that will help drive growth in the global chocolate market.”
Barry Callebaut will start to operate the leased chocolate-making equipment at the Hershey factory in Robinson, Ill., at the beginning of September, producing chocolate ingredients for Hershey products. In addition, Barry Callebaut will build a factory in Monterrey, Mexico, and supply liquid chocolate to The Hershey Company. This factory is expected to be operational by summer 2008 and will also supply to other customers.
The companies will partner on research and development activities with a focus on driving innovation in new chocolate taste experiences, premium chocolate, health and wellness, ingredient research and optimization.
The two companies also will work together on efforts aimed at building a sustainable cocoa supply, including the World Cocoa Foundation’s Sustainable Tree Crops Program, the International Cocoa Initiative Foundation and industry efforts to implement a certification system in West Africa. Hershey will also participate in Barry Callebaut’s proprietary corporate social responsibility and sustainable cocoa-bean sourcing programs.