Barry Callebaut (BARN) Investor update (Pre-recorded) summary

Strategic Direction, Vision, and Growth Priorities

• Launch of Focus for Growth action plan to restore fundamentals, prioritize high-impact growth, and shift toward premium, solutions-driven segments.

• Five key growth priorities: global accounts, regional food manufacturers, gourmet, specialties, and premium cocoa powder, with focus on 10 priority markets.

• Emphasis on scaling specialty applications in attractive, faster-growing segments, accelerating gourmet and premiumization, and regaining momentum in mature markets.

• Resources concentrated on fewer, high-impact initiatives, empowering regional teams for local adaptation and execution.

• Strategic ambition to be the global leader in cocoa and chocolate, offering a full portfolio and fostering a customer-centric, winning culture.

Market Trends, Premiumization, and Innovation

• Chocolate remains the top global flavor, driving growth in core and adjacent categories like ice cream, bakery, and energy bars.

• Market divergence with rising demand for both value and premium products, influenced by health and wellness trends.

• Premiumization and health trends create opportunities for differentiated offerings, such as reduced sugar and high-protein products.

• Growth in adjacent applications, especially ice cream, is outpacing traditional confectionery, with strong traction among top global players.

• Accelerated innovation cycles, co-creation, and R&D expertise drive value optimization and specialty product development.

Operational Enablers and Execution

• Targeted investments in production flexibility, especially in North America and emerging markets, to support chocolate and cocoa coatings.

• Enhanced sales and operations planning, digital capabilities, and simplified customer processes to improve agility and engagement.

• Strengthened value chain collaboration and regional ownership to boost execution and resilience to cocoa price volatility.

• Disciplined capital allocation prioritizing high-growth, high-profitability opportunities, with investments in key markets and infrastructure upgrades.

• Action plan developed with broad leadership input to ensure alignment and disciplined execution.