Irelands’s Valeo Foods Group has put forward plans to close a confectionery facility in the UK.

The Taveners brand owner said in a statement sent to Just Food it has informed employees of the proposed move, which, it said, would affect around 100 staff.

The site in Liverpool manufactures products such as caramels, mallows, gums and jellies.

A Valeo spokesperson told Just Food there is no confirmed date for the closure.

The company said the move follows a review of its confectionery business, with a view to “optimising structures, [its] category proposition and manufacturing footprint”.

Valeo has been looking to reduce the number of manufacturing facilities it has in the UK. However, the spokesperson said there are “absolutely no plans to close any other sites”.

“In the face of significant market challenges, changing demand and consumer preferences, as well as growing cost pressures, the company is proposing to right-size its confectionery manufacturing footprint in the UK by reducing the number of sites it operates and making considered investment decisions for future stability and sustainable growth,” said Valeo in a statement.

“Valeo Foods Group will now start the consultation process with its colleagues and given this is ongoing, no decisions have been made on this matter.”

Valeo was acquired by private-equity firm Bain Capital in 2021. The Dublin-based company owns brands in categories such as honey, canned goods, baking ingredients, snacking and beverages. Its portfolio includes brands such as Rowse, Kelkin and Bachelors.

In February 2023, the company appointed Ronald Kers as its new CEO. Kers had been chief executive of UK poultry major 2 Sisters Food Group for five years.