Investment will enhance edible oil production, gourmet chocolate manufacturing, and research capabilities across three Belgian sites
Global food and agriculture company Cargill has announced a €56 million investment programme aimed at expanding its food production and innovation capabilities in Belgium. The investment will be distributed across the company’s facilities in Izegem, Mouscron, and Vilvoorde, reinforcing Belgium’s role as a key hub for Cargill’s European operations.
A significant portion of the investment, amounting to €21 million, has been allocated to Cargill’s edible oils bottling facility in Izegem, the company’s largest such site in Europe. The upgrade has transformed around 60% of the facility and includes the installation of two new foodservice production lines. The expansion is expected to nearly double production capacity while improving automation, operational efficiency, and long-term supply reliability.
In Mouscron, Cargill is investing €30 million to expand its gourmet chocolate manufacturing operations. The project will add approximately 10,500 square metres of production space, nearly doubling the site’s manufacturing capacity. The expanded facility will support growing demand for premium chocolate products, including the company’s Veliche couverture chocolate range, while enabling faster product development, shorter lead times, and greater flexibility for food manufacturers, restaurants, and artisanal customers.
The company is also strengthening its research and innovation capabilities through a €5.4 million investment in a new extrusion pilot plant at its Innovation Center in Vilvoorde. The facility will support rapid prototyping, ingredient testing, and collaborative product development across food, feed, and pet food applications. The investment complements Cargill’s broader efforts to expand its European research and development network and accelerate customer-driven innovation.
According to the company, changing consumer preferences are driving demand for healthier and more specialised food products, including products with reduced sugar, lower salt content, and healthier fats. The new investments are designed to help customers respond to these evolving market trends while enhancing production efficiency and sustainability.
Cargill has operated in Belgium since 1953 and today employs more than 1,500 people across nine locations in the country. The latest investments further strengthen Belgium’s strategic importance within the company’s European manufacturing and innovation network, supporting future growth in food production, product development, and customer collaboration.