Barry Callebaut to set up own distribution network in South Africa

The Barry Callebaut Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, is setting up a local, direct distribution network in South Africa. The company is opening up its Gourmet business of packed products for artisans and chefs to other and multiple distributors, while still including Garden Morris Packaging and Food (GMPF) as a distributor. Having worked with GMPF for over 20 years, Barry Callebaut will continue to collaborate with GMPF for its semi-industrial customers, food manufacturing business, warehousing, and logistics.

Barry Callebaut will increase the number of distribution points and take over the role of master distributor in South Africa. The new network will focus on supplying customers in South Africa and the neighboring countries with a wide range of products from the Group’s global Gourmet brands like Callebaut, Mona Lisa, Cacao Barry, and Carma. By expanding its local product range and doubling the size of its local team, Barry Callebaut will meet the increasing demand for high-quality chocolate indulgence and support the growth within the African markets. According to Global Data, the South African food and grocery retail market is expected to grow at a CAGR of +4.9% between 2020 to 2025, with an estimated value of $59.6 billion by 2025, which opens up opportunities for Barry Callebaut.

Rogier van Sligter, president EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) at Barry Callebaut, said, "Expansion is one of our four long-term strategic pillars. After more than 20 years of experience in the South African market, we start a new chapter. By setting up a direct distribution network, we improve customer proximity and enable the growth of our Gourmet brands in the African markets."

David Bowrin, general manager South East & West Africa at Barry Callebaut, said, "By developing our own network in South Africa, we will better understand our customers’ needs and adapt our product range and local stock to their requirements."

Barbara Queally, managing director GMPF, said, "Barry Callebaut manages its Gourmet business via a local entity with GMPF acting as their logistical and warehouse partner. This decision was taken to be able to offer a wider product range, servicing better innovation and development in the extensive Barry Callebaut product range to the local market. We look forward to our continued relationship with Barry Callebaut."