Haribo to stop making Maoams in the UK sparking fears that 200 jobs will be lost

SWEET giant Haribo is planning to stop making Maoams in the UK, sparking fears over 200 jobs.

The confectionary brand is downsizing operations in Britain amid the coronavirus crisis.

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Some of the nation's favourite sweets are made in Castleford, including Gold Bears and Star Mix.

Haribo splurged £92 million on the site in 2013 - and it is now capable of making 48,000 tonnes of sweets each year.

But an insider today revealed that jobs are at risk and Maoams production is being axed in the UK.

He told The Sun: "Haribo are now looking to make 200 redundancies over the next 18 months.

"They will be stopping Maoam production completely."

But fans of the sweets, sold in supermarkets across the UK, will still be able to get their hands on them as they will continue to be made in other countries.

A Haribo spokesman refused to confirm how many potential redundancies will take place ahead of a "consultation process".

It was confirmed that Maoam is to cease being made in Britain, with global production to be "centralised".

Managing Director of Haribo UK Jon Hughes said: “We can confirm that we have started discussions with our colleagues about proposals to protect the long-term future of Haribo manufacturing in Yorkshire.

"The UK has become a manufacturing centre of excellence in the global Haribo network.  But to protect this position, we must respond to significant 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.

"Our priority now is our colleagues.  We will provide all the support necessary as we consult with them about the best way to protect the future of Haribo manufacturing in the UK.”

Haribo was founded by Hans Reigel in 1920 and produced its first golden bear in 1960.

Since then it has made enough of the sweets to stretch around the world four times.

One in three UK businesses is planning on making redundancies by the end of September due to coronavirus.

For instance, cafe chain Costa Coffee has said it will axe 1,650 jobs thanks to the spread of the pandemic.

And high street staple M&S has confirmed plans to make 7,000 shop floor redundancies.