February 10/Zurich/Reuters -- Barry Callebaut signed an agreement to acquire 100% of Mona Lisa Food Products Inc. The currently privately owned company will be integrated into Barry Callebaut's North American Gourmet & Specialties Products business. The acquisition of Mona Lisa confirms Barry Callebaut's intention to further accelerate the growth of its Gourmet & Specialties Products business and to add more adjacent products to the company's offerings for professional users of chocolate such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers and the HORECA business (hotels, restaurants, catering).

With the acquisition of Mona Lisa Food Products, Barry Callebaut will also strengthen its global footprint and establish a dedicated foothold for decorations products in the U.S. The newly acquired company complements the business activities of Barry Callebaut's center of competence for chocolate decorations located in Zundert (The Netherlands).