Confectionary giant Mondelez's Malaysian subsidiary has announced to invest MYR21m ($4.7m) to expand production of the belVita line of breakfast biscuits at it manufacturing plant in Johor state.
The expansion is to boost its supply of the belVita biscuits in Malaysia and also other Southeast Asian markets, reported The Edge Markets.
Located in Johor Bahru, the 24,330m2 plant produces over 32,000 tonnes of biscuits each year. Built in 1959, the biscuit factory employs around 500 people.
Mondelez Malaysia managing director Swadheen Sharma revealed that it was a compelling move from the company to choose Malaysia as the home of belVita biscuits.
Sharma has been quoted by the publication as saying: “It is in line with the strategic importance of the market not only as a key driver for our industry leadership in food and beverage but also a contributor to our worldwide supply chain.
“Our plant in Johor Bahru has the right capability to bring the highest standard in quality, safety, taste and halal-compliance as required for belVita biscuits. We are leveraging the plant’s state-of-the-art facilities, expertise and good manufacturing processes built upon a 57-year long heritage in creating some of Malaysians’ top favourite biscuits.”
Apart from making biscuits and other products for Malaysia, the plant also meets the export needs of Mondelez in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Lebanon.
Last year, belVita breakfast biscuits were introduced in China. The biscuit brand which was founded in 2010 is available in more than 50 countries across Europe, Brazil, North America, Australia and parts of Asia.
BelVita biscuits are claimed to feature at least 50% wholegrain cereals, at least 55% of energy from available carbohydrates, besides a significant source of micronutrients and a minimum of 3g of fiber per 100g serving.