EUROPE’S largest private label ice cream maker has increased its international status again after securing an African deal.

R&R Ice Cream, in Leeming Bar, near Bedale, North Yorkshire, has taken on Nestlé South Africa.

Bosses say the move will give it access to the country’s £113m frozen treats market.

The agreement comes after R&R last year paid about £250m for Australian-based Peters Food Group, which is the world’s third largest ice cream maker.

Nestlé South Africa employs about 200 staff at a factory in Johannesburg, and makes products such as Rolo, KitKat, Eskimo Pie and King Cone.

R&R already manufactures frozen treats under Nestlé and Mondelez brands, such as Cadbury’s Dairy Milk and Oreo.

Ibrahim Najafi, R&R’s chief executive, said: “This is a major milestone towards our goal of becoming a leading global player.

“African ice cream consumption will continue to increase as consumers become more affluent, so this can be a springboard to grow sales across much of the continent.

“As a business, we have enjoyed a successful partnership with Nestlé for nearly 15 years in the UK, which was extended with the acquisition of Peters, and we are now looking forward to working together in South Africa.”

R&R was previously taken over by private equity firm PAI Partners.