Swiss cocoa products company Barry Callebaut has started construction on a new cocoa facility in Durán, Ecuador with a groundbreaking ceremony.

Operations at the facility will include the drying, cleaning and storage of cocoa beans, later exported to Barry Callebaut cocoa and chocolate factories in the US, Canada, Asia and Europe.

The company’s Global Cocoa president Steven Retzlaff said: “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.

“We are proud to continue investing in a country wher we have been present since 2007.”

Additionally, the facility will host the company’s offices in Ecuador, which will employ more than 40 employees.

The company noted that it is making a significant investment in the project, which also signifies its commitment towards Ecuador and further develop a value chain of this fast-growing cocoa-producing country.

Barry Callebaut Ecuador managing director Angela Gubser said: “With this state-of-the-art infrastructure, we are making a long term commitment to the country and its cocoa-producing sector.

“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.”

Ecuador is known for the cultivation of ‘Cacao Nacional’ and also for Arriba, which is a flowery-fruity flavoured variety of cocoa.

The company has been sourcing cocoa from Ecuador since 1996 and using it for the production of a wide range of products including Carma Milk Ecuador, Callebaut Origine Ecuador and Cacao Barry Équateur.