Mondelēz Finalises Major Production Expansion at Toblerone Plant in Bern

Mondelēz International has reached a critical milestone in the modernisation of its Toblerone manufacturing facility in Bern, Switzerland. After a year of renovation, the company has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art production line, marking one of the largest investments in the group’s chocolate production network over the last decade.

The facility is being positioned as a global "Centre of Excellence" for Toblerone. The upgrade is intended to significantly increase production capacity and innovation capabilities, supporting the brand’s ambition to lead the global premium chocolate segment.

Strengthening the "Swissness" of an Iconic Brand

The new production line was officially inaugurated by Swiss Federal President Guy Parmelin, who highlighted the brand’s historical and economic significance to the region. Despite the brand's global reach, approximately 90% of all Toblerone production remains concentrated in Bern.

This investment underscores Mondelēz’s commitment to Switzerland as the primary manufacturing hub for the 118-year-old brand. According to Iain Livingston, President of Toblerone and World Travel Retail, the move is essential for the brand to capitalise on its high global awareness and leadership within the World Travel Retail sector.

Technical Upgrades and Infrastructure Modernisation

The renovation encompasses more than just the new production line. Thomas Kauffmann, Bern Plant Manager, confirmed that the project included extensive modernisation of the site’s logistics and infrastructure. Key technical enhancements include:

Expanded Production Facilities: Increased footprint for the manufacturing of chocolate and nougat components.

Mass Production Scaling: Enhanced capacity to meet the demands of exports to more than 120 countries.

Advanced Packaging Automation: Integration of new state-of-the-art packaging systems to improve throughput and efficiency.

Strategic Growth in the Premium Segment

The expansion in Bern aligns with Mondelēz International’s broader strategy to accelerate growth in the premium chocolate category. By concentrating innovation and high-volume production in a specialised Centre of Excellence, the company can more effectively manage quality control and product development for its flagship triangular chocolate brand.

As global demand for premium confectionery continues to rise, the Bern facility's increased capacity ensures that Toblerone can maintain its market-leading position while exploring new product variations and formats for international markets.