Barry Callebaut appoints Alvaro Alonso as Western Europe President

SWITZERLAND – Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa solutions, has appointed Alvaro Alonso as its new President of Western Europe, effective November 1, 2025. 

Alonso, a Spanish national with more than three decades of experience in the consumer goods industry, will report directly to CEO Peter Feld and join the company’s Extended Leadership Team.

He succeeds Pascale Meulemeester, who spent nearly 15 years with Barry Callebaut in senior leadership roles. Meulemeester played a key part in driving growth for the company, including leading its UK operations and expanding its footprint in Japan as regional director.

Alonso joins Barry Callebaut from Beiersdorf, a global leader in consumer goods, where he worked for more than 14 years. Most recently, he headed the Central and Eastern Europe region, and previously led Beiersdorf’s North America business for over five years. 

Before that, he served as General Manager for Mexico and Iberia, strengthening the company’s presence across diverse markets. 

Earlier in his career, Alonso also held leadership and sales positions at Carrefour and Unilever, gaining extensive expertise in retail and fast-moving consumer goods.

With a double degree in Law and Economics from Universidad Pontificia de Comillas in Spain, Alonso brings both strategic and operational expertise. 

He has also contributed his knowledge through board positions with NGOs and trade organizations, reflecting his commitment to broader industry and community development.

Welcoming the appointment, CEO Peter Feld highlighted Alonso’s strong track record in driving growth, innovation, and customer focus. “We are very pleased to welcome Alvaro to Barry Callebaut. He is a seasoned global business leader with a passion for growth and innovation and brings many years of experience in the consumer goods industry and the European market,” Feld said.

“Combined with his deep understanding of delivering the highest quality to consistently meet and exceed our customers’ needs, he will be instrumental as we create the best chocolate solutions and services and take customer experience to the next level,” Feld added.

The appointment comes at a time when Barry Callebaut is navigating industry headwinds, including higher cocoa prices, while also pursuing digital transformation and brand initiatives such as the recent rebranding of its training academies under the “Callebaut” name. 

Alonso’s leadership is expected to strengthen the company’s Western Europe operations and support its long-term growth strategy.

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