Ireland’s Valeo Foods is moving the production of two brands produced by its UK subsidiary Big Bear Confectionery to York in northern England where another subsidiary, Tangerine Confectionery, is based.
Valeo is spending GBP7.5m (US$9.1m) on expanding the York site, a move that will increase production capacity by 30% and create 90 new jobs.
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The move comes as Valeo prepares to close Big Bear’s facility in Leicester in England’s east Midlands. The site is expected to close in December.
Valeo bought Tangerine – which is behind brands such as Barratt, Refreshers and Dip Dabs – in 2018. Its merger with Big Bear Confectionery created Valeo Confectionery UK.
Now it has announced production of Big Bear’s brands Fox’s Glacier Mints and Poppets will move to the York facility.
The site is being expanded via the introduction of two new production lines. Work has already started with completion due to take place in October.
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By GlobalDataValeo said the investment will also allow for an additional 2,000 tonnes of retailer own-brand confectionery to be produced at the factory.
Russell Tanner, marketing and category director at Tangerine Confectionery, said: “This investment marks a significant step in the amalgamation of our brands and is a hugely positive move for sweet production in York.
“We aim to build on the heritage of Tangerine and Big Bear to be the most innovative, sustainable and supportive confectionery brand in the UK and this expansion will be the foundation of our new business.”
