FOOD factory bosses have landed a massive international deal with one of the most recognised brands in the world.

Global confectionary group Ferrero – world famous for Ferrero Rocher chocolates and Nutella spread – has announced it will acquire Eat Natural, a Halstead-based maker of high-quality cereal bars, toasted muesli and granola.

The Ferrero Group will take over the factory and employees in Fourth Avenue and says it plans to support the company by expanding into new markets while still keeping its own authentic touch.

The company says it plans to “retain the management and the employees of the businesses”.

Eat Natural was created 23 years ago by friends Preet Grewal and Praveen Vijh and has grown to be a considerable force within the healthier snacks market with its handmade food.

The company employs more than 300 people to make both fruit and nut bars and cereals in the factory, with products available across the UK.

The firm was featured on BBC2’s Inside the Factory series, presented by Gregg Wallace, earlier this year.

Co-founder Praveen said: “We are very happy to be joining the Ferrero Group

“Ferrero is a fabulous company and we are proud that they would like us to be part of their family.

“We have many shared ethics and both have a vision to make healthier snacking available for everyone.

“Like us, they pride themselves on a commitment to ingredients, taste and storytelling. We can’t wait to get started.”

The deal is expected to be completed in the coming months.

Ferrero began its story in the town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946.

A market leader with a turnover of more than 11.4billion euros, the Ferrero Group has more than 44,000 employees and 31 production plants worldwide.

Brand icons include Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Tic Tac, Kinder and Raffaello.

Giovanni Ferrero, executive chairman of Ferrero Group, said: “Eat Natural are an excellent strategic fit for the Ferrero Group as we continue to expand our overall footprint and product offerings into the healthier snacking market segment.

“Eat Natural are a family-orientated company who share a number of the same values as us, and like us care deeply for our consumers, the environment and the communities in which we operate.”