Nestle 'eyeing organic, vegetarian food maker Hain Celestial'

London

NESTLE SA is among companies exploring a purchase of Hain Celestial Group Inc, a US maker of organic and vegetarian food, according to people familiar with the matter, as the Swiss giant seeks to expand into healthier fare.

The Vevey, Switzerland-based company has held preliminary talks about purchasing all or parts of Hain Celestial, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the details aren't public.