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Candy Maker Opens Singapore Science & Technology Centre

In August, Cadbury Schweppes Asia Pacific opened its first regional center of excellence for gums and candy development. The SGD $4.3 million, 9,900-square-foot center in Jurong will house 10 global researchers and focus on breakthrough products for greater growth in emerging markets. The Regional Science & Technology (S&T) Centre is part of the company’s strategic plans to accelerate growth momentum in key emerging markets.

This new facility will be a center of excellence for gums and candy (sugar confectionery) development, and will compliment the existing network of regional and global Cadbury Schweppes science and technology facilities.

“Asia Pacific is a significant market for us,” says Rajiv Wahi, president of Cadbury Schweppes Asia Pacific. “With a mix of developed and emerging market growth potential, the region will continue to deliver above average growth. In Asia Pacific, our investment in innovation will also be ramped up to open up new markets for us and increase our penetration in markets where we already have high value share.”

Investment in innovation is a key growth driver for Cadbury Schweppes. The company’s long and successful track record in innovation has contributed to its leadership in the global confectionery industry. Researchers at the center will focus their innovation on what will delight Asian consumers. Each piece of candy or gum may take up to 70 ingredients to make. That translates to an enormous amount of technology, research and development going into every bite.

Singapore was chosen for the center because of its central location in the region and strong government support. The Regional S&T Centre will also be in close proximity to the company’s Asia Pacific Regional Headquarters, to enable strategic interaction between the Center and the regional commercial and supply chain teams.