Mars International India says it is on track with plans for its first chocolate factory in India.
It has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Maharashtra Government at the Vidhan Sabha in Mumbai, as it intends to invest Rs.1005 crores (more than US$160 million) in the new factory at Pune.
The facility will deliver Mars’ products to consumers and provide local employment opportunities and run community engagement program.
The project is expected to generate direct employment opportunities for more than 200 people and indirect employment opportunities to over 1000 people.
The plant will produce Snickers and Galaxy products to cater to the growing chocolate demand across the country.
“The chocolate industry in India is growing at nearly 20% every year and we see this as a huge opportunity to expand our chocolate portfolio in the country in the coming years,” says MV Natarajan, GM, Mars International India.
“Pune is an investor friendly and progressive city and we are delighted to deepen our commitment to India with our investment of Rs.1005 crores there.”
“The climate, geography, talent availability, proximity to port, therefore to raw material and the proximity to demand cluster, makes Pune one of the most viable locations for chocolate manufacturing.”
“Our Pune plant is planned to be completely eco-friendly and a LEED GOLD certified facility. This will boost our production capacity and efficiently support the growing demand for Mars chocolates in India,” he says.
