Portuguese chocolate producer Imperial has set its eyes on the Middle East and Asia as part of its expansion plans.
In an interview for local daily Diario Economico, the CEO of Imperial, Manuela Tavares de Sousa, said that the priority will be to “develop and consolidate its presence in the 45 countries where it is already present”.
She added that the company will also seek to expand in large markets, but did not want to set any deadlines.
Tavares de Sousa said that 2015 was marked by the entry of Imperial products into the Chinese market via a large partner that is both a distributor and retailer in several Chinese provinces.
According to her, the brand's entry into the Nigerian market is also close to implementation, with products targeted at younger consumers. Also among the new countries in which Imperial products are being sold is India, a market that it has described as "at an early stage of development".
The CEO of Imperial also highlighted the fact that exports have grown by 60% over the past five years, with the best performing markets being Angola, South Africa, Poland, Spain and North America. The company’s products are sold by major retailers worldwide, such as Biedronka in Poland, and Walmart Brasil and Sam’s Club in Brazil, as well as in TJX, Home Sense, Home Goods and World Market in the USA, and Pick & Pay and Spar in South Africa.
© 2015 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
