Cargill has announced the launch of a new cocoa production line at its processing plant in Gresik, Indonesia, in response to the growing demand for rich, flavorful, and innovative indulgent food and beverages across Asia. The Managing Director of Cargill’s Food Solutions Southeast Asia highlighted that cocoa and chocolate remain among the most sought-after ingredients for bakery, chocolate confectionery, ice cream, and indulgent café-style beverages in the food service sector. Cargill anticipates significant growth in these indulgence categories in the coming years, driven by consumer preferences for multi-sensory experiences, healthier indulgence options, and mindful consumption.
Cargill’s 2024 proprietary TrendTracker® study reveals that consumers in the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly drawn to novelty and experimentation, seeking foods with distinctive tastes, flavors, and textures. Simultaneously, there is a growing emphasis on holistic health and a preference for products that align with personal values. Cargill has introduced a new cocoa production line at its Gresik facility to address these trends, complementing the existing operations. The new line enables greater customization, allowing the production of specialty cocoa powders and cocoa liquors with unique flavors and sensory profiles tailored to diverse consumer needs in Asia.
In celebration of the new line’s commissioning and to showcase its capabilities, Cargill has also introduced two new dark Gerkens® cocoa powder ranges, featuring deep dark color hues and premium flavor profiles, along with a new collection of Cargill® Craft cocoa liquors offering a range of flavors, from fruity and fresh to roasted.
In recent years, Cargill has intensified its focus on becoming a key partner for growth and innovation across the food manufacturing, food service, and retail sectors. By leveraging its end-to-end supply chain expertise, the company is enhancing its ability to deliver comprehensive value-added solutions for bakery, ice cream, and chocolate confectionery. Investments in its Gresik facility, a vital hub for cocoa innovation and production in Asia, have bolstered these efforts. Cargill now combines the capabilities of its newly launched production line with the resources of the Cargill Cocoa Development Centre, which was inaugurated in Gresik last November.
Cargill, recognized as one of the industry’s most comprehensive food solutions providers, offers a diverse portfolio that includes not only cocoa and chocolate but also specialty fats, sweeteners, and more. Supported by 16 advanced production sites across the region and innovation centers in Singapore, Malaysia, China, India, and Indonesia, Cargill is enhancing its capacity to deliver holistic “Asia for Asia” solutions. These capabilities span sourcing, market insights, production, and innovation, enabling the company to effectively serve customers within Asia and beyond.
(Source: Cargill)
