US dairy group HP Hood is to close its Heluva Good cheese packaging plant and country store in the state of New York.

The state labour department said the site would close in stages between June and September. Some 53 staff work at the facility, which is located in Sodus.

US dairy group Schreiber Foods told just-food it is to take on the production and make cheese under the Heluva Good brand for HP Hood.

Officials at HP Hood did not respond to a request for further comment.