The Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov gave a symbolic start of the new production. He noted the importance of the investment and defined the partnership between Bulgaria and Nestlé as strategic for the Bulgarian economy. The event was also attended by ministers, the Chairman of the Board of the Bulgarian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce, Rolf Ott, the Deputy Head of the Swiss Mission in Bulgaria, Alessandro Zanelli, as well as Nestlé’s CEO for the Southeast market and Guillaume Le Kunef, Nestlé’s CEO for Zone Europe.
Nestlé’s new investment in Bulgaria is worth 44.2 million euros. The new production facility covers an area of more than 3,250 square metres and is equipped with the latest generation machines, producing 420 chocolates per minute, each of which travels 1.2 kilometres on the assembly line before being packaged. The Nestlé Chocolate Factory in Sofia, with its over 80 years of history and over 1000 employees, never stops contributing to the sustainable development of the Bulgarian economy. This year, with an investment of BGN 82,000,000, the third production line expands the capacity of the factory by 15,000 tons of annual production, which will be exported to 18 international markets, including the UK, France and Canada. The innovative production facility is fully equipped with the latest generation machines that meet the highest sustainability standards. By reducing carbon emissions by up to 90%, gas consumption by 30% and water consumption by 67%, as well as 100% recyclable packaging, Nestlé continues to follow its global commitment to a sustainable future and achieving a zero carbon footprint.
With the opening of the new production facility, Bulgaria establishes itself as a key innovation hub for Nestlé in Europe, once again demonstrating Nestlé Bulgaria’s sustainable commitment to the Bulgarian economy and society.