The UK faces a Ferrero Rocher shortage over Christmas, a union has warned, after staff at a major chocolate factory voted to strike.

Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate is one of the UK’s largest supplier of coco products to the confectionary industry, including to the manufacturers of Ferrero Rocher.

But now staff at the confectionary giant’s site in Worksop – which houses a production line churning out tens of thousands of tonnes of chocolate each year – have voted to take industrial action.

“The spectre of Christmas without this beloved yuletide treat would be devastating,” said Cameron Mitchell, a regional organiser at the GMB union.

“That’s exactly what’s on the cards if company bosses don’t act urgently to avoid strike action.