Barry Callebaut’s BC Next Level expands regional footprint, streamlines operations

Barry Callebaut Group launches a strategic investment program called BC Next Level with the aim to move the group closer to markets and customers while fostering simplicity and digitization.

CEO Peter Feld said, “Our mission is to be the heart and the engine for the global cocoa and chocolate industry. We have delivered robust growth for nearly 25 years. Due to evolving customer demands for more sustainable and innovative products, now is the time to bring the group to the next level by strategically investing in its future. We will move decision-making closer to our markets and customers while fostering simplicity and digitization to advance our well-recognized innovation and sustainability approach to deliver additional value for all our stakeholders.”

The program includes a net investment of CHF 500 million in areas most relevant to customers, such as innovation, service, sustainability, and quality powered by digital platforms that boost speed to market and facilitate deeper partnerships with customers. BC Next Level will be funded from existing financial resources.

Barry Callebaut will increase its regional footprint from three to five regional divisions – Western Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa – each encompassing five to six country clusters. This also includes the creation of Barry Callebaut’s new Customer Supply & Development organization to enhance product delivery and scale innovation faster globally, while delivering technical service locally to customers.

Barry Callebaut will also create new global responsibilities within the enabling functions of finance, HR, and technology to improve processes. The executive committee will be reduced to six from the current nine members. New members will be:

• Peter Vanneste, joining on November 1, 2023, as CFO;
• Jutta Suchanek, joining on October 1, 2023, as chief people and diversity officer; and
• Dr. Clemens Woehrle, joining on October 1, 2023, as chief customer supply and development officer.

Steve Woolley, president & CEO Americas, has decided to pursue new endeavours outside of Barry Callebaut.