Bel Group investing $200 million to increase Babybel production

BROOKINGS, SD. — The Bel Group is investing $200 million to double the production capacity of Babybel cheese at the company’s facility in Brookings.

The company, which has its North America headquarters in Chicago, broke ground March 11 on the project, which will increase the plant’s annual Babybel cheese production capacity from 10,000 tons to 20,000 tons once completed.

Cécile Béliot, chief executive officer for Bel Group, called the US a strategic market and “key engine of growth” for the France-based company, which has manufactured in the US for more than 50 years.

“Expanding our Brookings facility reflects our commitment to investing locally, strengthening domestic production and supporting sustained demand for our brands,” Béliot said. “The decision to double capacity of this facility positions us for enhanced long-term growth in the US.”

The US is the company’s largest market, with over $1.2 billion in annual retail sales, according to the Bel Group. The company added that the US business’ sales doubled between 2018 and 2024, and that the plant expansion is intended to double sales again in the years ahead.

“Babybel continues to see strong demand in the US, driven by consumers seeking convenient, portion-sized dairy snacks made with a few ingredients and delivering complete protein,” said Peter McGuinness, CEO of Bel North America. “Expanding our Brookings facility allows us to meet that continued demand while investing in American manufacturing, local jobs and the Brookings community.”