Belgium-based chocolate maker Sweet Products and French peer Cémoi have confirmed they are in talks over a deal to create the "number one" private-label manufacturer in the sector.

Cemoi is investing EUR6m (US$6.5m) in the plant, which will turn out finished products for both the business-to-business and consumer markets.

French chocolate maker CEMOI plans to open a factory in Ivory Coast in May to target the local and West African market, a company official said on Monday.

Cemoi, also family-owned, is one of the largest bean processors in Ivory Coast. Sweet Products is the owner of chocolate maker Baronie Group and of the 'Belgian Ice Cream' group. ($1 = 0.8194 euros) ...