Nestlé reports that an upgrade to its premium chocolate manufacturing facility in the Samara region of Russia will transform it into a key competence centre for confectionery products in Europe.

Two production lines from a Moscow plant owned by Nestlé are being transferred to its Confectionery Union Rossiya factory, in a move that will create 149 new jobs, said the Swiss group.

Nestlé has built up a strong presence in Russia over the past 15 years. The Swiss group operates 13 production facilities in the country, and has 10 sales offices and around 10,000 employees.