Kraft opens new facility in Brazil

3 May 2011 – Kraft Foods has opened an $80 million (€54m) manufacturing facility in Pernambuco, Brazil. The new plant will initially produce chocolate and powdered beverages. A biscuit line will be added in 2012. The facility is Kraft Foods’ latest investment in Brazil and positions the company for future growth in the fastest growing part of the country: North-northeast Brazil. Combining the new plant and other planned manufacturing expansions, the company will invest approximately $200m (€135m) in Brazil over a two year period – the largest investment in the market in more than a decade.

"Brazil is one of ten priority developing markets where we’re making big bets," says Sanjay Khosla, president, Kraft Foods developing markets, "Today, we’re among the fastest growing consumer goods companies in markets like Brazil, India and China. We’re excited to build on what’s working by making our biggest investment in Brazil in more than ten years!"

The 270,000 square foot facility in Pernambuco will employ more than 600 employees to start, adding 200 more when the new biscuit line opens in 2012. More than 18,000 applicants competed for positions. The employees will oversee the production of some of the company’s fastest growing brands and categories including Bis and Lacta chocolates, as well as Tang and Fresh powdered beverages.

"With the opening of our new plant in Pernambuco, we’re providing jobs to local Brazilians, investing in our communities and meeting the needs of our consumers in this important, fast growing region," says Marcos Grasso, president, Kraft Foods Brazil.