ZURICH, SWITZERLAND — Kraft Foods Inc. is opening the European Kraft Foods Gum and Candy Research and Development Center in Switzerland with the goal of focusing on innovation and new product development for confectionery brands.

The new center, located in Eysins, will focus on the Trident, Halls, Bassetts, Carambar, The National Confectionary Co., Trebor and V6 brands and represents an investment of more than $14 million.

“Over recent years, gum has been growing in popularity in Europe as consumers look for new ways to indulge and refresh themselves through great flavors, fresh breath and even for oral care,” said Chuck Davis, vice-president of research, development and quality for Kraft Foods Europe. “At Kraft Foods, we see this as a great opportunity both for our European business and globally.”