Haribo is in talks with staff in the UK over proposals to make changes to the German confectioner’s production in the country.

The privately-owned group said it wanted to “protect the long-term future” of its manufacturing in the UK amid growing costs in what the company said is a “highly competitive market”.

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Haribo has two factories in the UK, located in Castleford and Pontefract in northern England. Media reports have suggested the proposed changes could lead to 200 jobs being cut.

In a statement, Haribo said: “We are now entering a consultation process, so no further details can be provided regarding the number of potential redundancies.”

Jon Hughes, the managing director of Haribo’s UK arm, added: “The UK has become a manufacturing centre of excellence in the global Haribo network but, to protect this position, we must respond to significantly rising costs and the demands of a highly competitive market.

“None of these proposals are taken lightly. They are driven by the need to secure a sustainable future that will safeguard our proud heritage in Yorkshire and enable continued investment in our people and brands.”

Among what Haribo says are “several changes” on the table is the end of the UK production of Maoam sweets “with global production centralised”.

It added: “Maoam products and availability in the UK will not be affected by proposals.”

In July last year, Haribo set out plans to move some production from Germany and Turkey to the UK to boost capacity to meet growing demand from the US. 

In May, Haribo got the nod to finally start work on its first US manufacturing facility after receiving the green light from local planning chiefs.