THE Ambrosia factory at Lifton, which employs 200 people, is to be sold by its parent company.

Unilever Bestfoods UK announced this week that it will seek offers for the brand following an Ambrosia business review.

The review concluded that selling Ambrosia ? which is famous for its custard and milk puddings ? to a company which can make it a central part of its core activities was the best option for the future of the brand and the Lifton factory.

A press release from Unilever said: ?Ambrosia is a significant UK brand which given the right level of marketing investment offers strong potential for innovation and growth.

?However, within the context of Unilever?s global ?Path to Growth? strategy, Unilever Bestfoods UK is focussing on building a core portfolio of brands, which does not include Ambrosia.?

Since its creation in 2001, Unilever Bestfoods UK has invested £4-million in the Lifton site to increase the profitability of the brand.

Duncan Bogie, spokesman for Unilever Bestfoods UK, said the company intended to safeguard the interests and well-being of employees at Lifton by selling Ambrosia to an owner who is committed to its growth.

?It?s a really profitable and successful brand which would suit a business with a definite portfolio who can build upon the strong base that already exists,? he said.