Mars invests $9m in Russian Wrigley plant

Confectionery giant Mars has invested a further RUB600 million ($9m) in its Wrigley plant in Russia which will see the brand increase production of Juicy Fruit products.

Headquartered in Illinois, US, Wrigley produces gum, mints, as well as and hard and chewy candies. With operations in over 50 countries, including one in Russia, its brands include Wrigley’s Spearmint, Juicy Fruit, Altoids, Life Savers and Doublemint.

The investment with the city of St Petersburg, which was announced at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), will see Wrigley modernise its facility to increase Juicy Fruit production and implement sustainability projects to build on global efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. The move will also allow Mars to employ more people.

Mars says the agreement signals another milestone for the company’s presence in Russia, while also boosting the local food industry.

“The significance and topicality of the signed agreement relies on Wrigley’s long term investments into the local production and an increase of its export potential,” says Andris Salminsh, Wrigley Russia supply director.

“In addition, we plan to implement a number of educational initiatives connected with the topics of oral health and the environment within the broader St Petersburg community.”

At the event, Wrigley also launched a locally developed special edition of Juicy Fruit gum.