The ordinary Annual General Meeting of Barry Callebaut AG, the world’s leading manufacturer of cocoa and chocolate products, was held on Thursday, December 7, 2006, in Zurich under the chairmanship of Andreas Jacobs, Chairman of the Board. All motions proposed by the Board were adopted. 475shareholders attended the meeting, representing 3,975,973 shares or 76,9% of the share capital. 

The shareholders confirmed the re-election of Rolando Benedick, Markus Fiechter, Andreas Jacobs, Stefan Pfander, Andreas Schmid and Urs Widmer for another term of office of one year. Andreas W. Keller, member of the Board since 1999, stepped down at today’s Annual General Meeting. The Board of Directors wishes to thank him for his valuable contribution to the gratifying development of the company.

Furthermore, the shareholders approved the proposed par value reduction and repayment of CHF 10.50 per registered share, instead of a dividend payment, and the amendment of the respective provision of the articles of association. The payment of the par value reduction is expected to take place on March 1, 2007, free of charges and net of income and withholding tax for shareholders with tax domicile in Switzerland.

KPMG Fides Peat, Zurich, were re-elected as auditors and Group auditors of the company for fiscal year 2006/07.

* * *

Barry Callebaut:
With annual sales of more than CHF 4 billion for fiscal year 2005/06, Zurich-based Barry Callebaut is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa, chocolate and confectionery products – from the cocoa bean to the finished product on the store shelf. Barry Callebaut is present in 25 countries, operates more than 30 production facilities and employs approximately 8,000 people. The company serves the entire food industry, from food manufacturers to professional users of chocolate (such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs or bakers), to global retailers. It also provides a comprehensive range of services in the fields of product development, processing, training and marketing.

Fiscal year 2005/06 closed on August 31, 2006.

* * *