Cargill, one of the world’s largest cocoa and chocolate suppliers, is planning to acquire Singapore based chocolate maker Aalst. If it goes through, it will significantly increase Cargill’s Asia-Pacific footprint, adding chocolate to its existing portfolio of cocoa products already sold throughout the region.
Aalst Chocolate was founded in 2003 and makes products for retail consumers sold under its own brands, including Louella, while also serving B2B customers and manufacturers. Richard Lee, Founder and Chief Executive of Aalst, said that together with Cargill’s global expertise and experience, this new venture will be well-positioned to harness the full potential of exciting synergetic growth possibilities and become an ideal integrated chocolate solution provider for the customers.
Cargill is also set to open its first Asian chocolate manufacturing operation in India later in the year, producing chocolate and chocolate compounds for the domestic market. The Minnesota-based company opened its first Asian cocoa processing facility in Gresik, Indonesia, in 2014, and successfully introduced its Gerkens brand of cocoa powders for the region in 2019.
The rapidly growing Asian marketplace is increasingly wielding its influence around the globe, sparking inspiration and driving international trends.
Francesca Kleemans, Managing Director for Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate Asia Pacific said, “Joining with Aalst strengthens our position in this critical region, enabling us to become the supplier-of choice for industrial and foodservice customers. With an expanded selection of value-added and specialty chocolate products and deep technical expertise, together we can accelerate innovation, better helping customers create products that continue to surprise and delight.”