Cadbury chocolate made in France

Historically, the bars have always been made in Bournville

Chocolate giant Cadbury has produced one of its most popular brands overseas for the first time in its history.

The decision comes after the company's historic base, in Bournville, Birmingham, could not make enough chocolate crumb for Dairy Milk bars.

The overspill production in Blois, France, took place earlier this year.

A spokesman said it was unrelated to the salmonella scare at its Herefordshire plant that prompted a mass recall over the summer.

The company withdrew one million bars in June after a pipe at its plant in Marlbrook, Herefordshire, caused salmonella contamination.

The company said the incident will cost will cost about £20m ($37.5m) this year, half of which is due to the recall.

Historically, Dairy Milk bars have always been made in Bournville but due to a surge in demand, the company said it had no choice but to allow production to be taken overseas.

Production has now moved back to Bournville following a £40m investment in the factory.