Cadbury says does not need to do a big deal

LONDON (Reuters) - British confectionery group Cadbury Plc (CBRY.L) said it doesn't not have to do a big takeover deal despite continuing market talk it is looking at a linkup with U.S. chocolate maker Hershey Co (HSY.N).

"We don't feel we have to do a deal," Chief Executive Todd Stitzer said on a conference call on Thursday after issuing a trading statement towards the end of its half year.

Some analysts expect Cadbury to do some kind of a deal with Hershey, especially as competition is set to increase in the confectionery world after U.S. privately owned Mars agreed to buy Wrigley WWY.N in a $23 billion deal in April.

(Reporting by David Jones; editing by Sue Thoams)