ZhL (earlier Zhytomyrski Lasoschi), one of the largest confectionery producers in Ukraine, increased sales by 3.17% in 2013, to UAH 930 million, the press service of the company reported.

The press service said that last year the company retained its position in the top five leaders of the Ukrainian confectionary market: its share of total production amounts to 4.37%.

The company said that the exports share of total sales in 2013 was almost 35%, while a year ago it was 31%. This is linked to the opening and development of new markets and the strengthening of the factory's positions on the markets where ZhL's products have been available for many years, the company said. In 2013, the factory first supplies its products to the Palestinian Authority, Afghanistan, Iraq and China. In addition, at present talks with contractors from countries of Europe, African, Asia and Australia are being held.

ZhL Head of the company's supervisory board Ihor Boiko said that in 2013, EUR 10 million was invested in the modernization of production facilities and trade-marketing events. He reminded that last year the company installed a new sweet line. Investment totaled EUR 3 million.

The ZhL factory produces over 250 types of confectionery under the ZhL, Doma and Optimix brands. Its total output capacity is 80,000 tonnes of confectionery products.