US media company Gannett, the parent company of the USA Today newspaper, has closed a majority investment in Grateful Ventures, which is best known for its network of food and cookery blogs.

Grateful will now sit within the USA Today Network of websites, with plans in 2018 to launch more video content and events under its new parent company.

Gannett also says that the deal will "increase USA Today Network's advertising offerings through influencer marketing, branded content and events sponsorships".

Grateful's current stable of influencers reaches 8.5 million foodies a month, according to the company. Cookery has become one of the key categories for influencer marketing across the various social platforms, but particularly on YouTube.

"Their focus on building relationships with influencers, who have an authentic voice and resulting strong following, is a winning formula," said Gannett SVP Maribel Perez Wadsworth in a statement. "And we look forward sharing these premium content experiences with our existing viewers as well as appealing to new audiences."