Though Barry Callebaut's investment decision predates Abe's election win last December, it illustrates some of the potential gains Japanese companies could reap from closer cooperation with foreign partners, but generally are not. Back in 2007, Barry Callebaut strengthened its alliance with Morinaga & Co., one of Japan's biggest sweets companies with popular treats such as "Choco Balls," doubling sales volumes here. With a purpose-built factory alongside a Morinaga plant in Takasaki, Barry Callebaut will be better placed to meet demand, said Mikael Neglen, the company's president for chocolate in the Asia-Pacific. For Morinaga, founded in 1899, Barry Callebaut has brought a stable supply of liquid chocolate, cost reductions and improved efficiency.