Lotte Wellfood, formerly Lotte Confectionery, is embarking on a strategic expansion in India with the establishment of an exclusive line in Haryana dedicated to the production of its globally loved confectionery, Lotte Pepero. This move signifies Lotte Wellfood's commitment to global growth, marking its first line set up outside of Korea.

Scheduled to be operational by mid-2025, the new facility in Haryana, complementing the existing factory producing Lotte Choco Pie, represents a significant investment of over Rs. 200 crores. The state-of-the-art production line is equipped with automated systems, geared to meet the rising global demand for Lotte Pepero.

The new facility aims not only to fulfill international export demands but also to introduce Original and Crunky Pepero products to the Indian market. Lotte Wellfood's focus includes establishing Lotte Pepero as a premium brand in India, initially targeting large retail formats and e-commerce channels, with plans to expand into smaller traditional channels in the future.

Lee Chang-yeop, CEO of Lotte Wellfood, expressed enthusiasm about expanding investments in the Indian market, recognizing its substantial growth potential. Following the success of Lotte Choco Pie, the introduction of Lotte Pepero aims to strengthen the brand's position in India. The company is actively working on creating locally tailored Lotte Pepero products that align with regional food culture and preferences.

India's confectionery market, valued at approximately Rs. 27,000 crores, holds significant promise. Lotte India achieved sales of Rs. 654 crores in 2023, with a targeted growth of over 20% in 2024. The positive response from Indian consumers, especially towards the innovative chocolate stick snacks, indicates a favorable market for Lotte Pepero.

Lotte Wellfood's strategic move into India underscores the company's global vision and responsiveness to consumer preferences. The establishment of a dedicated production line for Lotte Pepero signifies a new era for the brand in the Indian market, promising sweetness and success in the confectionery landscape.