Confectionery giant Wrigley is doubling the amount of time it will take to pay  suppliers from 30 days to 60, according to reports.

The Financial Times reports that the confectionery giant has written to warn suppliers that the change is imminent.

The move, which comes in the wake of Wrigley's £13bn acquisition last year by rival Mars, is likely to be met with dismay by the group's suppliers.

Last December suppliers reported a thawing in relations with the UK's big four supermarkets over the delay of similar payments, with Asda cutting the time it takes to pay suppliers to as little as 20 days.

Tesco, which has in the past attracted criticism for jeopardising suppliers' cash-flow due to delayed payments, was also reported to have softened its stance on the issue as suppliers battle the gathering recession.

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