Mars to set-up first Indian chocolate plant with $160m investment

US-based manufacturer of confectionery, pet food and other food products Mars has announced it will open its first chocolate plant worth $160m in India.

The company’s new plant will meet the growing demand for its popular products, including Snickers and Galaxy bars.

Mars International India, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mars, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Maharashtra for the construction of the plant in Pune.

The Pune plant will manufacture the Galaxy and Snickers bars, which the company had been importing until now. Mars India manufactures Pedigree and Whiskas pet care products.

The company said in a statement that investment in the plant in India is a significant step towards expanding the company’s presence and commitment, and that it was looking to create direct employment opportunities for over 200 people and indirect employment for close to 1,000.

Mars International India general manager MV Natarajan said: "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."

The Economic Times quoted Mars Chocolate Asia Pacific regional president Ehab Abou-Oaf as saying: "India is a high priority market for Mars. We are here because we have a long term view of business in India.

"We hope to capitalise on that through this manufacturing plant. We are excited to have invested in a highly potential market like India, which is poised for further growth."

---

Image: The Mars plant to be built in Pune will locally produce the comapny’s popular Galaxy and Snickers bars. Photo: courtesy of Mars.