The turbulent times of Swiss chocolate maker Barry Callebaut

Last month the world’s largest chocolate manufacturer, Barry Callebaut, announced the sudden departure of its CEO Peter Feld after reports of a high-level split. The move comes as the Zurich-based group struggles with lower volumes, high cocoa prices and internal upheaval. Barry Callebaut is the world’s largest supplier of chocolate and cocoa products, processing around two million tonnes a year. The company sources cocoa indirectly from around one million farmers, mainly in West Africa, including Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. An estimated one in four cocoa beans worldwide passes through its supply chain. The group supplies major chocolate manufacturers as well as chocolatiers, confectioners, bakeries, hotels and restaurants. It employs around 13,000 people globally, making developments at the top of the company closely watched across the industry. Peter Feld, who had led Barry Callebaut for almost three years, stepped down last month with immediate effect. The sudden nature of the ...