Barry Callebaut has bought Burton’s Biscuit Company’s chocolate production site and entered into a long-term supply agreement with the biscuit manufacturer.

Zurich-based Barry Callebaut will supply more than 12,000 metric tons of chocolate and compound a year to Burton’s after acquiring the manufacturing assets of its facility in Moreton, near Liverpool. All Moreton employees will transfer to Barry Callebaut when the deal completes.

The acquisition will enable Barry Callebaut to expand its manufacturing capacity in the UK, which is seen as an important growth area for the company.

“We are delighted to strengthen the collaboration with our longstanding customer Burton’s and to further support a great British brand,” said Barry Callebaut Group CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique.

“This transaction is an excellent example of the power of long-term partnerships and outsourcing. It is also a clear sign of our commitment to support the growth of our business in the UK market.”

Burton’s CEO Nick Field said Barry Callebaut shared his company’s passion and motivation for baking the best-quality products for customers and consumers.

“This new partnership, with their larger network and enhanced capabilities, directly supports our intent and commitment to maintain and enhance our industry-leading chocolate biscuit offering,” he added.

Two years ago, Maryland and Jammie Dodgers owner Burton’s ended a 30-year licensing deal with Cadbury chocolate owner Mondelēz International, selling the licence to Mondelēz for around £200m.

Headquartered in St Albans, Burton’s operates manufacturing sites in Blackpool, Edinburgh and Llantarnam.