IT is by Royal Appointment and a quintessentially British treat made in the ancient capital of England.

But now the owners of Bendicks Mints has warned the 140 workers at the Winchester plant that they want to relocate production to their homeland in the heart of Germany.

Global food giant Storck says it makes economic sense to make the sweets at its Eastern German plant while continuing to sell them under its uniquely British brand name.

But Winchester MP Steve Brine is today holding crisis talks with ministers and also Storck management to beg them to reconsider.

He said: “I was really disappointed to hear a move away from Winchester is even being considered by Storck.

“It would be a blow to the city’s economy to lose these jobs at the moment, especially when we want to see an increase in private sector employment.

“I have a series of meetings to find out more from the company and am liasing closely with ministers.”

A Stork spokesman last night said: “Storck UK has recently announced the start of a consultation period to determine the future of its production facility in Winchester, Hampshire.

The sales and marketing department of Storck UK, also based in Winchester, will not be affected.”

“Until the consultation is complete there will be no further announcements.”

The multi-national food conglomerate remained tight-lipped about how long the consultation process would continue. Nor would it reveal when the plant, its only one in the UK, could close and relocate to Ohrdruff, where it makes Werther’s Originals.

John Harrocks, director of the North Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, said he was “deeply concerned” about the closure plans.

He said: “Bendicks is seen as a quintessential British brand and I hope that Storck will recognise that the strength and integrity of the Bendicks brand will be more durable if production remains in Winchester, the ancient capital of England.”

Switching production from the Winnall factory abroad was made easier by the UK’s relaxed labour laws, Mr Harrocks said.

He claimed in other European states employment laws make it difficult for firms to shut down factories and move the work to another country.

Unite, the union representing the workforce, echoed his view.

Unite regional officer Ian Woodland said: “Yet again, weak labour laws are working against the interests of the UK.

“Unite will be doing everything possible to protect jobs in a community where unemployment is already too high.

“The skilled workforce who have spent years manufacturing high-quality confectionery now face an uncertain future.”