Cargill has invested €56 million in Belgium to expand edible oils and chocolate production while strengthening European food innovation capabilities.
Cargill has invested €56 million across three sites in Belgium, expanding edible oils and gourmet chocolate production capacity and increasing food innovation capabilities to support growing demand across Europe.
The investments at the company’s facilities in Izegem, Mouscron and Vilvoorde include major manufacturing expansions and a new pilot plant for product development and testing. Together, the projects strengthen Belgium’s role within Cargill’s European operations.
These investments not only strengthen our local food R&D and production capabilities but allow us to continue to grow with our customers and provide them with more diverse and innovative food solutions across Belgium and the EMEA region.”
Geert Maesmans, Vice President of R&D for Cargill’s Food business in EMEA and Cargill’s Belgium country lead
At its Izegem site, Cargill has completed a €21 million upgrade of its edible oils bottling facility, the largest in Europe. The company has transformed around 60 percent of the site, nearly doubling production capacity and adding two dedicated foodservice production lines. The investment also introduced new automation systems aimed at improving operational efficiency and supply reliability.
Cargill has also expanded its gourmet chocolate facility in Mouscron with a €30 million investment. The project adds 10,500sqm of production space and almost doubles the site’s manufacturing capacity. The facility produces the company’s Veliche couverture chocolate range, supplying foodservice operators, chocolatiers and food manufacturers.
Capacity boost targets growing European demand
The expansion comes as manufacturers face increasing pressure to respond more quickly to seasonal demand, reduce lead times and develop products tailored to specific customer requirements.
In Vilvoorde, Cargill has opened a new extrusion pilot plant following a €5.4 million investment. Based at the company’s Innovation Center, the facility will support product development, ingredient testing and customer trials across food, feed and pet food applications. The project builds on a previously announced €45 million investment in the centre.
Geert Maesmans, Vice President of R&D for Cargill’s Food business in EMEA and Cargill’s Belgium country lead, said: “Belgium is a key strategic hub for Cargill in Europe, thanks to its strong food industry, close customer connectivity, and advanced logistics infrastructure that enable efficient supply across Western Europe.”
He added: “These investments not only strengthen our local food R&D and production capabilities but allow us to continue to grow with our customers and provide them with more diverse and innovative food solutions across Belgium and the EMEA region.”
The latest projects add to Cargill’s established presence in Belgium, where the company has operated since 1953. It employs more than 1,500 people across nine locations covering manufacturing, research and regional operations.
No comments yet