Hershey Chocolate Maker Sets Up Asia Innovation Center In Shanghai

The globally loved chocolate maker, The Hershey Company, announced Wednesday the opening of its new Asia Innovation Center located in Shanghai, China.

AsianScientist (May 23, 2013) – The globally loved chocolate maker, The Hershey Company, announced Wednesday the opening of its new Asia Innovation Center located in Shanghai, China.

Hershey’s new Asia Innovation Center, located at the Jinqiao Golden Bridge Research Park in the Pudong District, will enable Hershey to quickly develop, test and launch new products customized to the tastes of consumers in China and across the Asia region.

China is currently Hershey’s fastest growth market, moving from number seven to number three in chocolate share in just five years with overall chocolate share more than quadrupling by 2012.

“Our new Innovation Center in Shanghai supports our aggressive growth plans in Asia and reflects our global approach to business,” said Michael Wege, Senior Vice President, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer, The Hershey Company. “It will enable us to translate our insights and knowledge of consumer tastes and preferences into relevant products. With industry-leading innovation capabilities based in China, we will develop products that expand our portfolio across the region and around the world.”

The two-floor, 22,000 square-foot facility will house R&D laboratories, a pilot plant for the chocolate and sweets & refreshment categories, and a development center for emerging product offerings. It will also feature a sensory area, creativity center, packaging development section, and research laboratory.

The center will initially employ 12 scientists and product developers and includes office space for up to 32 engineers and innovation staff. The team will be led by Qingbin Yuan, Hershey’s Director of Asia Research & Development.

Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and approximately 14,000 employees. It offers confectionery products under more than 80 brand names, including such iconic brands as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Hershey’s Kisses, Hershey’s Bliss, Hershey’s Special Dark, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher, and Ice Breakers.

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Source: The Hershey Company.
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