Creating a household name on sweet note

Demand driven by China is key driver for future growth, Godiva chocolates owner chief says

Cem Karakas may be running the world's newest snack conglomerate, Pladis Group - established less than one year ago last April - but his ambitions to grow the company's market share in China are as big and mature as any of the veteran players in the country.

"In five years, whenever you ask a Chinese to name a chocolate brand, it will be Godiva. And we will achieve it," Karakas said. The Belgian chocolatier is by far the most recognized brand in the new group's product portfolio in the mainland.