Flanders’ Minister-President Jan Jambon handed the 2020 Foreign Investment of the Year Trophy to Masha Vis-Mertens, VP of the Operations & Supply Chain Organization at Barry Callebaut. To further anchor its activities in Flanders and serve the international market even more effectively, the Swiss chocolate manufacturer is funneling EUR 100 million into a new, global distribution center in Lokeren. “With this investment, Barry Callebaut confirms Flanders’ strong and resilient logistics assets and strategic location,” said the Minister-President.
Barry Callebaut emerged victorious after three rounds of voting by a professional jury, the general public via an online poll, and those present at the event. Four other foreign investors were also nominated: truck manufacturer DAF Trucks (Netherlands/US), diamond producer Heyaru Engineering (Dubai/India), medtech specialist Hologic (US) and car transshipment firm International Car Operators (Japan).