Ferrero creating hundreds of jobs with new plant

Ferrero International SA, the world's third-largest chocolate maker, expects to create 500 to 700 jobs next year in Hangzhou after launching its first East Asian factory, the biggest investment ever, in the capital of Zhejiang province.

Giovanni Ferrero, the family-owned company's chief executive, said China now represents one of the world's most promising markets for chocolate.

The new plant, its 21st worldwide, he said, would allow it to deliver fresher products to Chinese and other Asian consumers.