Cadbury Pakistan, a subsidiary of Cadbury Schweppes, the world's largest confectionery company, today announced plans to invest Rs 300 million in 2007 to meet the growing demand of the chocolate market. This follows its earlier investments of Re. 350 million over a three-year period in factory expansion and marketing activities.
The planned investment will strengthen its presence in its key categories ie chocolate, Indulgent candies and mints. The company plans to double its chocolate production capacity and acquire best-in-class technology to strengthen its presence in Pakistan.
In 2006, Cadbury Schweppes Plc had injected Re. 100 million equity in Cadbury Pakistan to fund capacity expansion. Thereafter, Cadbury International acquired minority shareholding in Cadbury Pakistan Limited and-increased its shareholding to 100 percent in the local subsidiary.
Reinforcing the growing importance of Pakistan as a focus market for Cadbury Schweppes, Rajiv Wahi, President, Asia. Pacific said, "Cadbury is committed to the long-term development of the chocolate industry in Pakistan through substantial foreign capital infusion, category management and local infrastructure and talent development."
According to Muhammad Amin, Managing Director, Cadbury Pakistan, "Pakistan is one of the key emerging markets for Cadbury Schweppes, and the expansion is in line with our ongoing commitment towards becoming the best and the biggest in the industry."
Cadbury has grown consistently since its inception in 1993 and the company has tripled its size in the last two years. The company employs 151 people and currently has a manufacturing plant in Hub.
It enjoys strong presence in the confectionery business with brands like Cadbury Dairy Milk, Chocki Perk, Eclairs and Softmints. In 2006, Cadbury was declared the top confectionery brand in Pakistan according to a recentTop Brands survey conducted by FPCCI.