Intersnack has acquired the peanut-butter and soft-drinks brand Whole Earth from European food group Ecotone.

The financial terms of the deal – conducted through Germany-based Intersnack's KP Snacks arm – were not disclosed.

Ecotone sells a range of nut butters, as well as soft drinks, under its Whole Earth brand.

KP Snacks CEO Mark Thorpe said: “Whole Earth Foods is a fantastic addition to our business, expanding our selection of delicious, healthier products.

“Known for its commitment to high-quality, nutritious food, Whole Earth Foods complements our portfolio of iconic brands and aligns with our sustainable business practices.”

Since being acquired by Ecotone in 2003, Whole Earth's sales have grown “fivefold” and the brand has become “the number one peanut butter brand” in the UK, the France-based company said in a statement announcing the deal.

The brand has experienced “impressive growth” in the organic peanut butter category in European markets, including Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and Italy, Ecotone added.

Ecotone CEO Christophe Barnouin said: “This sale is an acknowledgement of Ecotone’s 22 years of sustainable growth with the Whole Earth brand, from a UK start-up to a leading European brand.

“The integration into KP Snacks will enable Whole Earth Foods to continue to invest and grow for the future.”

KP Snacks employs more than 2,200 people in the UK across its seven manufacturing facilities and head office in Berkshire.

The company’s portfolio of snack brands includes McCoy’s, Hula Hoops and Tyrrells.

Headquartered in Lyon, Ecotone employs 1,600 people. It has a brand portfolio including Abbot Kinney’s plant-based dairy alternatives and Clipper tea.