Nestlé has announced a €6.5 million ($6.9 million) investment in expanding its white chocolate production capabilities at its San Sisto plant in Italy.
This strategic decision will establish the San Sisto factory as the exclusive manufacturer of the Galak and Milkybar white chocolate brands for European markets.
Nestlé has announced plans to “modernize” one of its white chocolate production lines at the facility, with the upgraded line expected to be operational by mid-2024.
“The packaging phase of the bars will be strengthened with more advanced and high-performance technology,” Nestlé said in a statement.
Nestlé anticipates a 15% boost in production volumes by 2025 when compared to its current production levels.
“The San Sisto plant plays an increasingly central role in the growth strategy of the Nestlé group, as demonstrated by this new investment in the white chocolate line, which will contribute to making the factory even more competitive within the group on an international level,” said Marco Travaglia, the CEO of Nestlé’s business in Italy.
This year marks Nestlé’s 110th anniversary of operations in Italy. As per the company’s 2022 annual report, it maintains a presence with seven factories in the country, covering the production of bottled water, confectionery, culinary foods, and pet food.
Earlier this month, the Swiss conglomerate finalized an agreement to acquire a controlling interest in the Brazilian chocolate company Grupo CRM.
The direct-to-consumer enterprise operates over 1,000 chocolate boutiques in Brazil, operating under the Kopenhagen and Brasil Cacau brand names.
Among the products offered by Nestlé in Italy is pizza. In April, the company formed a new partnership with the private equity firm PAI Partners, creating a venture dedicated to consolidating its frozen pizza assets in Europe.
Nestlé will “retain a non-controlling stake with equal voting rights alongside PAI Partners”, the Buitoni pizza maker said in a statement.
