Jobs to be moved in Dr Oetker sale

Nineteen staff have been told their jobs are being moved to London, while the remaining two are at risk of redundancy, a spokeswoman for Dr Oetker said last night.

Richard Oetker, chairman of the family-owned business, said: "The sale is taking place as part of our strategy in the chilled-products segment, under which we shall be focusing on our core business, the production and distribution of dessert."

Richard Ilsley, a director, added: "The UK team has worked hard to develop the Onken yogurt business and 2010 will be a record year for the brand, however ultimately the yogurt category is not core to the Dr Oetker business and the sale of the Onken brand to Emmi will ensure it receives the correct level of support and focus going forwards."

He said Dr Oetker UK would continue to focus on home baking and frozen pizza.