Callebaut wants to save money
Chocolate giant closes factory in Norderstedt
February 26, 2024, 5:05 p.m
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Barry Callebaut claims to be the world’s largest chocolate manufacturer. But apparently things aren’t going well. Already in the fall he announced an austerity program – of which the employees in Norderstedt are now also falling victim.
Barry Callebaut, the world’s largest chocolate manufacturer, is closing its factory in Norderstedt. The company confirmed this upon request. Callebaut will cut a total of 2,500 jobs worldwide over the next 18 months, 18 percent of its total workforce, a spokeswoman said. Discussions are now taking place with the works council. If the plans are implemented, 48 full-time positions would be affected, it said.
Company boss Peter Feld had previously announced the job cuts in an interview with the “Handelsblatt”. The company works primarily as a supplier for the production of chocolate products and is therefore not well known as a brand.
Callebaut had already announced an austerity program in the fall. The aim is to save 250 million francs (around 260 million euros) per year, around 15 percent of the costs. Feld justifies the dismantling with the structure: The USA, Europe, Asia and the global cocoa business were practically run separately, that should now change.
The company is active in 40 countries. It generated annual sales of around 8.5 billion francs in the 2022/23 financial year (August 31). The Barry Callebaut Group looks back on a 175-year chocolate tradition.