Heinz is considering selling its UK frozen desserts business to concentrate on higher-growth opportunities. Its decision to review its retailer own-label, and its Ross, American Dream and Devonshire desserts operations at Leamington Spa and Okehampton, puts 700 jobs at risk. But it will keep its Weight Watchers desserts operation.
The company said the aim of the sale was to accelerate growth of its core brands. John Garnett, md of Heinz European Frozen & Chilled Foods, said: "Our leading brands, including Weight Watchers from Heinz and Aunt Bessie's frozen potato products, continue to show strong growth and there is an opportunity to further enhance this by focusing our business on our leading branded operations."