Chocolate giant Barry Callebaut is aiming to double its business in China within two years, chief innovation officer Hans Vriens has revealed.

In an interview with FIHN, Vriens said: "We're doing about 25,000t there now. I think we can easily get to 50,000t or even 70,000t in two years."

Key to the success of this mission would be a euro13M state-of-the-art production facility in Suzhou industrial park in greater Shanghai, which would become operational by the end of this year, he said.

Callebaut also plans to open a sales office and chocolate academy in Mumbai, India, later this year, added Vriens.

The company, which reported a 9.8% rise in full-year operating profit to CHF324M on sales up 10.6% to CHF4.1bn despite sharp rises in raw material costs is now aiming for annual top-line growth of 9-11% and operating profit growth of 11-14% in the next four years.

Emerging markets in Asia and Eastern Europe would be key to its success, said Vriens.