Global food company Cargill has announced an investment in its facility in Kalmthout, Belgium, to its increase gourmet chocolate manufacturing capabilities.

Cargill’s €3.5m ($3.9m) investment will see the addition of fifth gourmet production line and new chocolate tanks within the existing facility.

The funding is also expected to create 12 new employment opportunities and greater production flexibility.

Cargill Europe chocolate activities managing director Inge Demeyere said: “This investment strengthens the extended gourmet chocolate offerings that we acquired with Cargill’s purchase of Smet in 2019.

“With the complementary offering of Veliche gourmet couverture and Smet decorations, we are able to provide additional choice and meet increased demand in the gourmet segment, including our industrial customers.”

With the addition of new chocolate tanks, the facility will have improved dedicated storage and dedicated piping to gain full flexibility to customer requirements.

The investment is expected to further enhance the manufacturing facility’s innovation capabilities and widen its customer network.