Jaffa Cakes and Twiglets manufacturer United Biscuits (UB) has formed a three-year strategic partnership with Cargill.

The partnership between the two companies is expected to boost innovation in chocolate and will see Cargill’s cocoa and chocolate business supply all UB’s derived cocoa and chocolate products.

The international producer of food and agricultural products and services will support UB, whose brands also include Jacob’s Cream Crackers and Penguin, with delivery to its 11 manufacturing facilities in the UK and Northern Europe.

UB’s and Cargill’s scientific and technological expertise and industry knowledge will be harnessed to explore new ways to use chocolate more effectively, helping bring new products to market.

Nina Williams, UB group technical director, said: “As the first partnership of its kind for UB, it will bring a step-change in our growth and competitiveness and deliver significant long-term value.”

Cargill’s strong sustainability credentials and ambition matched UB’s philosophy and would be “a great fit” as UB continued to grow its presence in the UK and internationally.

Emiel van Dijk, sales and marketing director at Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate, said: “We are convinced this long-term, transparent relationship means we will be able create the right solutions for UB even faster and easier.”

The deal which was announced yesterday was agreed before new Turkish owners Yildiz Holding acquired UB earlier this month.