Newport-based maple syrup firm Clarks Natural Sweeteners has been bought by a multi-national firm.

The company, which produces natural sweeteners under the Clarks brand, has been acquired by Hain Daniels – the UK subsidiary of US-based food group Hain Celestial Inc.

Clarks, which is based at the Queensway Meadow Industrial Estate, produces maple syrup, honey and carob, date and agave syrups, which are sold in leading retailers and used by food service and industrial customers across the UK.

In calendar year 2016, Clarks generated approximately £7m in net sales and is expected to be accretive to Hain Celestial’s earnings in fiscal year 2019.

Bob Clark, founder and MD of Clarks, said: “This is a significant milestone for Clarks Natural Sweeteners and will deliver extra investment to help drive and expand the brand.

“I will stay on with the business in a consultative role. We’re very much looking forward to working with the Hain Daniels team to continue our growth in new and existing customers.”

Hain Celestial – a leading organic and natural products company and owner of Ella’s Kitchen, Linda McCartney Foods and Gale’s Honey – has sites in the US, UK, Canada, Belgium, France, Germany and Austria.

Irwin D Simon, founder, president and chief executive officer of Hain Celestial, said: “We welcome Bob Clark and his team to the Hain Celestial family and look forward to working with Clarks in expanding the brand’s development in the United Kingdom and continental Europe.

“The Clarks brand and products are a strategic fit with the Hain Daniels spreads business for various natural sweeteners applications to complement our health and wellness portfolio of brands as consumers continue to seek to reduce their sugar intake and look for better-for-you alternatives to refined sugar.”

James Skidmore, Hain Daniels chief operating officer, said: “I welcome our new colleagues within Clarks to the business and see significant opportunities to further develop the natural sweeteners category. The strength of the Clarks brand puts it in a strong position to capitalize on the growing consumer trends towards more natural and healthier foods.”