West Yorkshire-based bakery and patissier Just Desserts is to increase the footprint of the business by 50%, following a 30% sales growth in the last year.
The Shipley bakery is to expand into a third 1,800 sq ft unit.
The handmade desserts specialist has seen sales increase across its foodservice customer base, particularly in the independent, farm shop, National Trust properties and garden centre sectors.
Just Desserts produces a wide range of premium desserts and pastries, which are traditionally handcrafted to its own recipes. An investment of more than £60k in new equipment has enabled the company to double its bakery capacity and introduce efficiency measures.
The third unit has allowed Just Desserts to improve warehousing and office space, as well as restructure and open up the bakery to increase work flow. The company has also invested in upgraded IT systems. Further changes are planned in the future, including the introduction of a creaming area.
The expansion has created two additional bakers’ roles, which will support the existing team of 12, who handcraft the company’s 130-strong premium product range.
Delighted with the growth
James O’Dwyer, managing director of Just Desserts, said: “I started the business with a £40 a week enterprise allowance grant more than 30 years ago. I’m delighted with the significant upsurge in sales over the last 12 months, which gives me every confidence in our future growth.”
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