Mars Inc has invested in the production of M&M's chocolates in Russia, replacing its existing line.
The company first started manufacturing M&M's at its facility in Stupino, south of Moscow, in 1998.
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Mars said the new line will produce M&M's for Russia, Belarus and other markets in central Eurasia. It will also bring other benefits to its production, the company said. "The production lines and cutting-edge technologies provide an opportunity to manufacture the products in various formats without shutdowns and production reloads," Mars told just-food.
Chocolate sales in Russia have come under pressure but Mars said it had faith in the category in the longer term. "The total category is falling, which is related to the overall economic situation in Russia and the raw materials price increase. Nevertheless we believe that the category will grow in long-term," Mars said. "[It is] also important to mention that we invest in the segment that is rising at the moment.
Mars said the RUR3bn (US$53bn) investment will increase the capacity at the factory, which also produces Snickers, Twix and Dove, by 18%. It has led to 76 jobs being created, it added.
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