It told ConfectioneryNews it has no plans to suspend production, but may consider revising its Russian product portfolio, but much will depend on demand for its products in the local market.
Elizabeth Alexandrova, corporate affairs director of chocolate division of Mars Russia, said: “Russia is the strategic market for Mars, Incorporated. So far we invested more than USD $1.8bn into Russian economy. At present, there are nine Mars factories in four Russian regions. Three of nine factories are chocolate factories. It is strategically important for us to develop local manufacturing."
Last year, Mars invested 3.3 billion rubles (US$90 million) to modernize and extend its Russian factories and the company plans to continue that expansion this year.
According to data of the Russian Ministry of Agriculture, at present Mars remains Russia’s second largest producer of chocolate. Last year the company’s market share amounted to 15% in volume terms, behind only United Confectioners, which has a market share in the range of 18%-20%.