Barry Callebaut and Maersk launch cocoa bean warehouse in Malaysia 

MALAYSIA – Barry Callebaut Group and A.P. Moller – Maersk have officially opened a purpose-built cocoa bean warehouse in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia, marking a major milestone in the Asia Pacific cocoa supply chain. 

Situated in Johor’s industrial hub, the 600,000-square-foot facility can store nearly 40,000 metric tons of cocoa beans. Built under a decade-long partnership signed in 2023, the warehouse is designed to improve supply chain control, enhance operational efficiency, and support Barry Callebaut’s expanding customer base across the region. 

The new site is the first multi-storey ramp-up facility in Pasir Gudang dedicated to cocoa bean storage. It integrates directly with Maersk’s Warehouse Management System, enabling real-time tracking, optimized workflows, and enhanced supply chain visibility.  

Sustainability features such as LED lighting and natural ventilation reduce energy consumption, supporting regional environmental objectives. 

The warehouse’s strategic location—less than one kilometer from Barry Callebaut’s cocoa processing factory and near the Port of Tanjung Pelepas—facilitates faster handling of imported beans sourced from Africa, Latin America, and Asia before distribution to regional and global markets. 

Ramle Hj Kasin, Director General of the Malaysian Cocoa Board, said the project aligns with Malaysia’s national agenda: “This new facility is aligned with the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, and the Malaysian Cocoa Board national agenda, to strengthen the Agri-commodity sector in this region. It is to sustain our momentum, boosting competitiveness, and reinforcing Malaysia’s stature on the global cocoa map.” 

Alain Freymond, President, Global Cocoa at Barry Callebaut, highlighted the facility’s importance to its operations: “This facility is a game-changer for our supply chain in Asia Pacific. In today’s environment, where managing the cocoa value chain has become more critical than ever, it gives us greater control over bean quality and enhances our ability to serve customers across the region with speed and precision.” 

Since 2022, Maersk has supported Barry Callebaut with integrated logistics services, including cocoa bean transport from growing regions to processing sites in Asia Pacific. 

In Malaysia, the partnership covers imports via the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, followed by trucking and rail services connecting the port, the new warehouse, and Barry Callebaut’s processing plant. 

In July, Barry Callebaut also inaugurated its third chocolate manufacturing facility in India, a 20,000-square-meter greenfield plant in Neemrana, further expanding its footprint in Asia. 

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