KUALA LUMPUR: The Hershey Company has opened a new research and development (R&D) Centre in Malaysia to fuel its product innovation for markets around the world.
Located in Johor, Hershey said the new facility would enable it to quickly develop, test and launch new products customised to the tastes of consumers across the region.
"This facility will become one of Hershey's largest R&D facilities outside of the United States," it said in a statement.
According to Hershey, the 10,400 square-foot facility was a significant investment in the Malaysian market.
The facility will house R&D laboratories, a packaging development facility, and a sensory area.
"This will enable the company to partner with various innovation teams to taste-test and shortlist iconic products known and loved by consumers across the globe," it said.
Hershey vice-president of India and Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa (AEMEA) Herjit Bhalla said the Malaysian facility would act as a central hub for the company's operations across the AEMEA region.
"Our new R&D Centre reflects our ongoing commitment to understanding the preferences of consumers across the markets," said Bhalla.
Hershey senior director of international R&D Philippe Zehnder said the investment in Malaysia was just one example of how Hershey was continuing to reinvent the science of confectionery through internal and external innovation.
"The new facility will allow our talented teams to gain deeper insights into consumers by enabling them to conceptualise, test, and develop some of the most innovative products across the region," said Zehnder.