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Japanese confectioner Meiji has announced plans to invest 27 billion Yen ($245 million) to expand its production of high-cocoa chocolate.
Two of the company’s Japanese factories will be upgraded as part of the investment, with production lines at both facilities being expanded.
The increasing demand for high-cocoa ‘healthy’ chocolate in Japan has been the driving force behind the investment, according to the brand.
Global market research agency Euromonitor International claims that health and wellness trends and the country’s ageing population have been drivers for the increased demand.
A report released by the agency said: “Meiji will continue to invest heavily in research and development in the forecast period, as it seeks to tailor its range of products in line with changing consumer needs.
“The company is likely to focus on health and wellness products within packaged food, particularly those that appeal to Japan’s increasing number of elderly consumers.
“The company recognizes the challenges that population ageing and decline pose in Japan and will thus seek to bolster packaged food profits by adding value.
“The company will also continue to invest in expanding its production capacity in key growth areas such as yoghurt.”
Meiji produces a range of high-cocoa chocolate products, such as boxes of 72% and 86% cocoa chocolate, bars of and dark chocolate and a range of other snack products.
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024