Barry Callebaut, world’s leading manufacturer of chocolate and cocoa, sees India as a key strategic growth market and is committed to growing its presence in India, said Dhruva Jyoti Sanyal, Barry Callebaut’s Managing Director, India and South-West Asia.\n\n“A young and aspirational population, rising disposable incomes, and growing demand for high-quality chocolate are driving long-term opportunities. Over the past five years, we’ve invested more than ₹500 crore (50 million Swiss franc) to scale up our operations and strengthen customer intimacy,” said Sanyal.\n\nThe Switzerland-based company, which entered India in 2007 with the launch of its sales office in Mumbai and its first Chocolate Academy Centre, plans to support regional demand by exporting to markets such as China and countries in Africa and South-East Asia.\n\nBarry Callebaut’s plans are also to expand its manufacturing facilities. Recently, it inaugurated a factory at Neemrana in Rajasthan. Neemrana was selected for its strategic location in the Ghiloth industrial area, approximately 120 km southwest of Delhi. \n\n“This location brings us closer to customers in North and Central India, improving supply chain efficiency, speed to market, and customer responsiveness,” said Sanyal. Besides, it has a manufacturing facility at Baramati in Maharashtra.\n\nA focus of the Swiss firm will be to create innovative chocolate solutions that align with emerging consumer trends — including healthier options, premium offerings, and new taste experiences, he said. \n\n“We continue to prioritise the delivery of high-quality products and customised services, while supporting global operations through initiatives such as our new Global Business Services Hub in Hyderabad. Our goal is to stay ahead of market needs and help our customers grow by offering relevant, responsible, and inspiring chocolate innovations,” said the India and South-West Asia Managing Director.\n\nBarry Callebaut currently imports cocoa from major producing countries in West Africa and Asia. This ensures that consistency, quality and flavour profiles are maintained as per its customers’ expectations.\n\nOn looking at cocoa produced in India, Sanyal said the company continues to explore opportunities to source cocoa locally and has evaluated Indian cocoa as part of this effort. “While Indian cocoa is still developing in terms of scale and consistency, we see potential in its cultivation and are open to supporting initiatives that can enhance quality and traceability,” he said. Strengthening the local cocoa ecosystem could be a valuable step in the long run, said the India and South-West Asia Managing Director.\n\nBarry Callebaut’s India business has been a strong success story within the group. “It has grown to become our largest chocolate-producing market in the AMEA (Asia, Middle East and Africa) region. Our continued investments in infrastructure, people, and capabilities reflect the confidence we have in India’s growth potential and our long-term commitment to the market,” said Sanyal.\n\nIts journey over the past 18 years has been positive and dynamic. “...we’ve consistently delivered double-digit volume growth, expanded our manufacturing footprint, and built strong, long-term partnerships with food manufacturers, chocolatiers, and artisans. India is now Barry Callebaut’s largest chocolate-producing market in the AMEA region,” he said.\n\nOn its customers, the India and South-West Asia Managing Director said the company serves a wide range of customers across the chocolate and confectionery value chain. \n\n“Globally, we supply chocolate and cocoa products to leading companies such as Mondelez and Unilever. In India, we also work with well-established and popular local confectionery manufacturers, as well as emerging brands, artisanal chocolatiers, bakeries, and pastry professionals,” he said. \n\nThe company’s customer base reflects the diversity of India’s chocolate landscape, from multinational corporations to homegrown innovators, all of whom rely on it for quality chocolate and customised solutions, said Sanyal.

Global chocolate, cocoa maker Barry Callebaut sees India as a key strategic growth market

Barry Callebaut, the world's leading chocolate and cocoa manufacturer, has identified India as a key strategic growth market. The company, through its Managing Director Dhruva Jyoti Sanyal, highlights rising disposable incomes, a young and aspirational population, and growing demand for high-quality chocolate as drivers of long-term opportunities. Over the past five years, Barry Callebaut has invested more than ₹500 crore (approximately 50 million Swiss francs) to expand operations and strengthen customer relationships. It has inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in Neemrana, Rajasthan, to improve supply chain efficiency and customer responsiveness, and maintains an existing facility in Baramati, Maharashtra. The company also plans to support regional demand through exports to China, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Barry Callebaut is exploring opportunities to source cocoa locally in India, recognizing potential in the developing local cocoa ecosystem. It serves a diverse customer base including multinational corporations like Mondelez and Unilever, as well as local confectionery manufacturers, artisanal chocolatiers, and bakeries. The India business is now Barry Callebaut’s largest chocolate-producing market in the Asia, Middle East, and Africa (AMEA) region.