Chocolate producer Barry Callebaut has officially opened its third manufacturing facility in Canada.

The $`04-million plant is located in Brantford, Ont., one of the province’s fastest-growing food-manufacturing regions. The new location represents a long-term investment in local talent, supply partnerships, and the future of chocolate production in North America, according to the Swiss-Belgian company.

The plant is equipped with advanced production lines for liquid moulding, liquid chocolate, and industrial moulding designed to provide commercial customers with greater flexibility and capacity.

As the company’s first new North American factory since 2008—and its largest capital investment in the region to date—the $104-million project strengthens Barry Callebaut’s Canadian presence alongside existing operations in Chatham, Ont., and St. Hyacinthe, Que.

“Brantford is more than a new facility, it’s a hub for innovation, service and excellence in everything we create,” said Natasha Chen, the company’s president for North America. “This plant will allow us to work even more closely with our customers, delivering the chocolate solutions they need while strengthening our presence in Canada and the entire region.

“We’re excited to grow alongside this community and invest in the talent and innovation that make our business thrive.”

A recent ribbon-cutting ceremony welcomed customers, guests, and local partners to the site, offering tours of the state-of-the-art plant and highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and growth across Canada and beyond, said Barry Callebaut.

Photo: New Barry Callebaut chocolate factory in Brantford, Ont.

Photo: Barry Callebaut