Barry Callebaut, P.T. Comextra Majora form joint venture company in Indonesia

Barry Callebaut and P.T. Comextra Majora, a diversified soft commodities trader and cocoa exporter from Indonesia, have entered into a joint venture to form P.T. Barry Callebaut Comextra Indonesia. The new company will be headquartered in Makassar, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Barry Callebaut will own 60% of the joint venture company and P.T. Comextra Majora 40%.

The new cocoa processing facility is expected to have an initial grinding capacity of 28,000 tons. Operations will start in early 2013. The new company is also investing CHF 30 million ($33 million) to build this facility. Barry Callebaut will be responsible for running the factory and will purchase the products manufactured, as P.T.

Comextra Majora will provide the factory with cocoa beans under a long-term supply agreement. CEO of P.T. Comextra Majora Jimmy Wisan will serve as president commissioner of the new company. The new joint venture will allow Barry Callebaut to increase its sustainable sourcing activities in Indonesia through P.T. Comextra’s local presence and relationships with local cocoa farmers.