Kraft Foods, North America's biggest food group, plans to hold talks in coming weeks with British bid target Cadbury that may lead to a new bid offer for the global No.2 candy and chocolate maker.

In the weeks ahead we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue with the board and management of Cadbury as we continue to assess the opportunity and consider progressing to a final offer, Kraft's Chief Executive Irene Rosenfeld said in a speech to business students in Toronto.

Kraft wants to buy the British company as it targets growth after revamping its operations in recent years.

(Reporting by Pav Jordan)

Cadbury