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.

Other companies, including US food makers and buyout firms, are also interested in Hain Celestial, the people said. No final decisions ha…