Mars Inc has refused to be drawn on reports in India it has applied for land in the western state of Gujarat to build its first chocolate plant in the country.

India’s Business Standard newspaper has claimed the Snickers manufacturer wants 40 acres of land in Sanand, on the outskirts of the city of Ahmedabad. The newspaper said Mars has put in an application with local state officials.

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However, speaking to just-food, MV Natarajan, MD of the chocolate business of local arm Mars India International, declined to comment on whether it had applied for the plot.

“We are evaluating various modalities for our local supply options. However we are not in a position to comment on that at this stage, since it is too premature to do so at this point,” Natarajan said.

Mars imports chocolate sold under brands like Snickers, Twix and Mars into India. Last week, Mars revealed it had developed a Snickers bar containing no eggs for vegetarians in the Indian market.

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