Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, visits Haribo factory in Castleford

Haribo employs a team of 650 workers spread across two Yorkshire sites in Pontefract and Castleford.

Yorkshire, which has a rich sweet-making heritage, has been the home to Haribo for over 50 years.

Touring the Castleford factory, Ms Brabin saw first-hand how the international brand’s sweets are manufactured and spoke with employees who produce sweets such as Tangfastics and Starmix.

She said: “I was delighted to visit Haribo UK’s factory in Castleford. As mayor of West Yorkshire, it is always a pleasure to visit the manufacturers and employers that form the backbone of our region.”

The West Yorkshire mayor and Haribo UK managing director Jon Hughes talked about the company’s investments in skills and innovation, after the tour.

He said: “As a family-owned business, our people are at the heart of everything we do.

“We invest in our employees, provide development opportunities and the tools required to be able to remain the industry leader here in the UK.”

Ms Brabin added: “Haribo UK has been an important part of Yorkshire’s confectionery and food manufacturing excellence for the last half century.

“We’re proud that shops across the country stock delicious Haribo treats made right here in West Yorkshire. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the visit and look forward to continue collaborating with Haribo to fulfil our joint aim of strengthening Yorkshire’s already booming economy.”