Barry Callebaut N

According to government information, Barry Callebaut plans to triple the capacity of its production line in Abidjan and broaden supply for local and regional markets. CEO Hein Schumacher described the Ivory Coast as central to a ten‑year growth programme; no specific investment amounts were announced. The group already operates plants in Abidjan and San Pedro with a combined processing capacity of around 230,000 tonnes and purchases large quantities from smallholder farmers. At a meeting with Trade Minister Kalil Konaté, issues discussed included expected drops in harvests, plantation diseases, and port and energy bottlenecks; the government intends to further promote local processing. » More on finanzen.net

Barry Callebaut expects the recent cocoa price highs will not be sustained because of large industry inventories (around 500,000 t, about 10% of the annual crop). Current spot prices already appear to price in weather risks such as El Niño, leaving the group little room for further significant price increases for chocolate. Surpluses from two harvests could limit cost pressure in 2027/28 and lead to increased promotional activity and partly slightly lower prices. Barry Callebaut is focusing more on specialty and premium products and greater regional decision-making authority; UBS continues to rate the stock as “Neutral” with a price target of CHF 1,180. » More on de.investing.com

Barry Callebaut announces a streamlined strategy that focuses resources on ten key countries and the gourmet and special-ingredients segments to improve growth, service and operational execution. The company reports volume growth in the third quarter for the first time in about two years, but warns of continued weak demand for classic chocolate and high cocoa prices of around USD 4,500/tonne. Management plans margin and mix improvements, a reduction of net debt toward 2.5–3.0x EBITDA, and an expansion of the gourmet and solutions offering as future sources of earnings. » More on de.investing.com