The Barry Callebaut Group – the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products – announced that the expansion of its Mona Lisa Chocolate Decorations factory in Hendersonville, N.C. is complete. Major enhancements include the installation of a new molded cup line and a high-capacity, multi-purpose decorator machine, which allows for innovative product capabilities. The total factory square footage increased from 40,892 to 65,666.
The investment in the Mona Lisa factory expands Barry Callebaut’s chocolate decoration offerings for professional users such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers and the entire foodservice industry, while accelerating the overall growth of its Gourmet & Specialties Products business.
“Since the acquisition of Mona Lisa Food Products, Inc. in 2012, we have remained focused on furthering our global footprint in the chocolate decorations category,” said Beau Netzer, Gourmet General Manager at Barry Callebaut. “The expansion of the Mona Lisa line uniquely positions us as a dedicated supplier in the chocolate decorations category in the U.S., while helping us to reach new customer segments.”
The newly installed decorator machine will produce greater volumes and varieties of chocolate decorations to accommodate all customers. Expanded product capabilities include multi-colored decorations with more intricate designs and shapes, and an assortment of filled inclusions.
In addition to an extended portfolio of chocolate decorations, the Mona Lisa product line now offers center-filled inclusions. These versatile inclusions can be used in chocolate or compound applications and are available in fudge, marshmallow and caramel mini-cups and hearts. Solid heart and star-shaped molded inclusions create surprising new textures and flavor contrasts in confectionery, ice cream and other dessert applications.
As part of its Corporate Innovation Strategy, the Barry Callebaut Group combines trends, science and knowledge to drive product differentiation for customers. The expansion at Mona Lisa better serves customers across all categories – from food manufacturers to artisan pastry and confection professionals. Customers can rely on the Mona Lisa product portfolio for a large assortment of ready-to-use chocolate decorations. Barry Callebaut also has the capabilities to develop proprietary Mona Lisa decorations for a truly one-of-a-kind finish.
For more information about the Barry Callebaut Group, Mona Lisa Decorations and other gourmet product offerings, please visit www.barry-callebaut.com/gourmet.
