Cargill-owned Aalst Chocolate is making a substantial investment in insights-driven research and development (R&D), customized products, and strengthening its bean-to-bar supply chain to foster growth in Asia and other markets. Acquired by Cargill in 2021, Aalst Chocolate, founded in 2003, positions itself as the first Singaporean brand producing chocolate couvertures and compounds. The brand specializes in catering to the taste preferences of Asian consumers and regional trends while offering customization for business-to-business (B2B) customers.
Aalst Chocolate supplies its products to industrial, retail, and food service customers in Southeast Asia (SEA), Oceania, China, India, Japan, and South Korea. The company is strategically focusing on reducing sugar in its products, recognizing the Asian consumer’s preference for less sweetness in confectioneries. Xiaoling Liu, Managing Director of Aalst Chocolate and Indulgence Lead for Cargill’s Food Solutions (APAC), emphasizes the importance of taste, quality, nutritional value, and sourcing for the conscious Asian consumer.
The brand acknowledges the growing demand for healthier options and anticipates the “guilt-free treats” trend to persist in the long term. Leveraging its in-house R&D capabilities and Cargill’s market insights, Aalst is innovating to meet the demand for better-for-you options without compromising on taste. The company’s Pâtissier Chocolate brand includes products created with nature-derived low-caloric sweeteners, such as the 55% Dark Couverture (No Added Sugar).
Aalst Chocolate is also attentive to the preferences of younger consumers in Asia, who exhibit a desire for unique flavours, formats, and visual appeal. The company’s two decades of experience in the sector have provided in-depth knowledge of Asian palate preferences. Supported by Cargill’s food innovation centers in Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, and Gurgaon, Aalst’s R&D capacity is bolstered to facilitate customization, agility, and waste reduction.
Asia accounts for about 25% of global cocoa consumption, and Aalst sees immense innovation potential in the region. Asia is expected to surpass North America as the second-largest chocolate market globally within the next 10 years. The acquisition of Aalst has positioned Cargill as a “bean-to-bar” innovator, integrating extensive cocoa-sourcing capabilities for a stronger and more secure supply chain.
Liu expresses confidence in Aalst’s ability to expand beyond Asia, citing successful examples like a super-white chocolate product initially developed for the Japanese market, which has gained popularity in North America and Europe. The acquisition of Aalst has not only completed Cargill’s chocolate footprint in the region but also provided a complementary asset to its cocoa business worldwide. The brand’s proximity to other Asian markets, cost advantages, and insights contribute to reaching a broader customer base.