Wedel is set to unveil a major investment project in Warsaw’s Praga district, highlighted by the grand opening of an interactive chocolate museum, ‘Fabryka Czekolady,’ on September 4. This date aligns with International Chocolate Day, marking a significant milestone for the company.
The chocolate museum, a centerpiece of the PLN 300 million investment, represents a substantial commitment, with around PLN 200 million dedicated to the museum’s development, including its infrastructure and production facilities. This ambitious project aims to boost Wedel’s production capacity, with new operations expected to commence at the new site by 2028-2029.
Wedel’s extensive investment in Praga goes beyond the museum. The project also includes new production lines and a state-of-the-art research and development laboratory. Approximately half of the new facility will be allocated to production, featuring lines that will be relocated from the existing factory, with additional new production lines installed in the older sections.
Maciej Herman, Wedel’s managing director, detailed the scope of the project at a press conference. “We embarked on this project in 2019 with the goal of showcasing the rich history of chocolate and Wedel’s 170-year legacy. The museum will offer an immersive experience, engaging all the senses through interactive exhibits, including live demonstrations of chocolate-making,” he said.
Herman explained that the museum will occupy half of the new building, with the other half dedicated to production. The facility will house new production lines for various products including Barrels, Sesame, and Czekotubki.
Looking ahead, Herman revealed plans for a major production line set to be operational by 2026. “We anticipate that our current production capacity will be sufficient until 2027-2028. However, we are already exploring options for a new production location to ensure we can meet future demands,” he added.
Wedel’s investment also aims to enhance brand visibility among international tourists, potentially boosting exports. “Expanding our brand’s reach is a crucial part of our strategy. Currently, we export to 60 countries, representing about 10% of our sales. The museum will play a key role in elevating Wedel’s profile on a European and global scale,” Herman noted.
Museum director Robert Zydel confirmed that the architectural design for the project is being handled by BIM Architekci studio. Additionally, Herman highlighted the company’s ongoing expansion of its Chocolate Pump Rooms, which now number around 40. The new facility will include a ‘Manufaktura Rarytas,’ a small factory within the larger complex dedicated to handcrafted confections sold at the pump rooms.
Wedel, part of the Japanese Lotte Group, ranks among Poland’s top three chocolate confectionery manufacturers, alongside Mondelez and Ferrero, holding a combined market share of approximately 45%.
