In a landmark collaboration, A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) and Barry Callebaut Group, the renowned manufacturer of top-quality chocolate and cocoa products, have embarked on a long-term partnership to construct and operate a revolutionary Built-To-Suit cocoa bean warehousing and dispatching facility in Malaysia. The groundbreaking ceremony for this dedicated facility took place in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia on May 18, 2023, signaling a new era of innovation in supply chain management.
The primary objective of this new warehouse is to support Barry Callebaut's strategic growth in providing high-quality cocoa and chocolate products and services to customers in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region. Simultaneously, it represents Maersk's ambition to expand its current ocean and landside logistics services into a seamlessly integrated end-to-end logistics solution for its esteemed clientele.
Situated in the Johor Bahru district, a prominent industrial zone near the Johor port, this multi-storey facility is one of the largest cocoa bean warehouses in Southeast Asia. Spanning over half a million square feet, it has been meticulously designed with operational efficiency as the top priority. Furthermore, it is conveniently located merely one kilometer away from Barry Callebaut's cocoa processing factory in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia.
Barry Callebaut has been operating in the Asia Pacific region since 1997 and continues to invest significantly in its growth. The partnership with Maersk for the establishment of this new warehouse exemplifies our commitment to fortifying the resilience of our supply chain. The facility empowers us to exercise better control over the quality of our cocoa beans, thereby supporting our ambitious expansion plans in the region.
Elie Fouché, Vice-President Cocoa for Region Asia Pacific at Barry Callebaut
Since January 2022, Maersk has seamlessly connected Barry Callebaut's supply chain from cocoa-growing origins in Africa to its factories in the Asia Pacific region through its comprehensive ocean and landside logistics services. Being chosen as Barry Callebaut's long-term logistics partner is a testament to Maersk's dedication to providing exceptional service, and this enhanced warehousing and dispatching facility will play a pivotal role in helping our esteemed partner respond swiftly to ever-changing market conditions. As Maersk evolves into a global integrator of container logistics, our integrated service offerings will continue to enhance efficiency within Barry Callebaut's supply chain.
Elaine Low, Area Managing Director, Maersk Southeast Asia
The completion of the Built-To-Suit warehousing and dispatching facility is expected by the end of the second quarter in 2024. The facility will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and sustainable solutions, such as solar panel roofs, LED lights, and natural ventilation, to minimize its environmental footprint.
