Grupo Bimbo and Barry Callebaut continue decade-long chocolate courtship

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Steve Woolley, David Hernández, and Jesús Carlos Valencia celebrate the extension of their strategic supply agreement at Grupo Bimbo's headquarters in Mexico. Pic: Grupo Bimbo

The world’s largest bakery manufacturer and leading producer of high quality chocolate and cocoa products have renewed their long-term outsourcing agreement, originally signed in 2012.

The arrangement covers chocolate products for Bimbo’s domestic market in Mexico, but also includes extended strategic supply in the US, several countries in central America, Canada and Uruguay.

Shared vision

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Grupo Bimbo's Little Bites - made with Barry Callebaut chocolate - are a popular product in its domestic market.

The parties declined to disclose any further terms of the agreement, but it will obviously boost long-term global growth for both.

According to Jesus Carlos Valencia, general director, Latin America North, Barry Callebaut, the company’s proven reliability and chocolate expertise make it the partner of choice for leading industry players like Grupo Bimbo – this year, celebrating its 75th anniversary.

The Mexican bakery giant has also recently been recognised for the sixth time by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, while Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) has been honoured by the EPA for its efficient energy use.

“As we extend this long-term supply agreement, I am proud that Barry Callebaut remains one of its strategic partners by enabling their powerful vision for growth,” said Steve Woolley, president & CEO, Americas, Barry Callebaut.

Major players

The Barry Callebaut Group is a major player in the global chocolate space, from sourcing and processing cocoa beans to producing the world’s finest chocolates and chocolate products, including chocolate fillings, decorations and compounds. The producer operates more than 60 production facilities around the globe, serving the entire food industry, from industrial manufacturers to artisanal bakers, chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers and caterers.

The Zurich-headquartered company supports the Cocoa Horizons Foundation in its goal to make sustainable chocolate the norm by 2025.

"We are pleased to extend our strategic relationship with Barry Callebaut, who has been a partner to our business for the last years, and we look forward to their support of continued sustainable growth and accomplish our mission of nourishing a better world,” said David Hernandez, chief procurement officer for Grupo Bimbo.