Zurich, Switzerland | January 26, 2026 — In a significant leadership transition for the global chocolate and cocoa sector, Hein Schumacher has officially taken over as the Chief Executive Officer of Barry Callebaut AG, the world’s largest chocolate manufacturer. The move signals a fresh chapter for the Zurich-headquartered company, which is aiming to regain momentum following a period of market volatility and operational transformation.
Schumacher, a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in the food and dairy industries, previously held top positions at Unilever and Royal FrieslandCampina, where he served as both CEO and CFO. His appointment comes at a time when Barry Callebaut is repositioning itself for growth after undergoing major structural changes under the “BC Next Level” strategy.
In a LinkedIn post announcing his new role, Hein Schumacher shared:
“Today marks my first day as Barry Callebaut’s new CEO. I’m truly honoured to take the helm of this wonderful global leader in cocoa and chocolate. For me personally, after a very positive break with new experiences, it also marks a return to a big passion of mine: food.”
A Return to Food Sector Roots
Schumacher’s return to the food sector aligns with Barry Callebaut’s renewed focus on innovation, customer centricity and operational excellence. Having previously led Royal FrieslandCampina, one of the world’s largest dairy cooperatives, Schumacher brings a unique perspective to Barry Callebaut’s leadership—blending dairy and food manufacturing expertise with global strategic vision.
His leadership at FrieslandCampina involved deep engagement with dairy market dynamics, sustainability programmes, and cooperative governance—an experience that positions him well to steer Barry Callebaut through evolving consumer demands and ESG expectations.
Industry Context: Growth Amid Challenges
The chocolate and cocoa industry is currently navigating complex challenges, including:
- Cocoa price volatility due to supply chain disruptions in West Africa.
- Declining volumes in key markets, as reported in Barry Callebaut’s recent Q1 update.
- The need for sustainable and traceable sourcing models across the cocoa value chain.
Despite these headwinds, Barry Callebaut remains bullish on long-term demand, particularly in value-added chocolate solutions, premium offerings, and emerging markets. The company’s board expressed full confidence in Schumacher’s ability to guide the company through this critical inflection point.
A Global Vision for Chocolate Innovation
Board Chair Patrick De Maeseneire stated: “Hein brings the perfect mix of operational leadership, strategic insight, and international experience. We are confident that he will drive the next phase of Barry Callebaut’s journey.”
Under Schumacher’s leadership, Barry Callebaut is expected to:
- Accelerate innovation in sustainable cocoa and chocolate processing
- Strengthen relationships with B2B customers and retail clients
- Pursue operational efficiency while investing in future-ready technologies
The move is also closely watched by investors and food industry stakeholders, with Barry Callebaut shares seeing a positive response following the leadership announcement.
Implications for the Dairy Sector
While primarily a cocoa company, Barry Callebaut’s leadership shift holds relevance for the Indian dairy industry and broader food value chain. Schumacher’s FrieslandCampina background may encourage deeper cross-sector collaboration in areas such as:
- Dairy-based confectionery innovations
- Sustainable ingredient sourcing
- Value-added dairy products for premium chocolate segments
His emphasis on “great-tasting, high-quality solutions” could also influence consumer trends in both dairy and chocolate markets across Asia.
