Hot desserts manufacturer Davison’s is expecting to increase its revenue by 80% after moving into ready-to-eat products.
The Armagh-based manufacturer, which produces desserts that are supplied chilled and frozen to retail and foodservice customers, is to widen its product range after securing £6m in funding.
Davison’s is investing the funds in an automated process and packing line for its 50,000 sq. ft facility outside Portadown. This will enable the business to produce new ready-to-eat desserts for retail customers in Ireland and Great Britain, such as individual cheesecakes, trifles, glass-potted and high-protein desserts.
Davison’s current range includes family and individual products such as sticky toffee pudding, chocolate pudding, rice pudding and crumbles. Ingredients used in the products include fruit grown on Davison’s own orchards.
The move follows the business being asked by a long-standing customer to supply a range of ready-to-eat and food-to-go desserts for retail.
Davison’s upgraded facility will have an integrated robotic system to automate packing. The company said this will enable it to enhance the skills of its existing 118 employees in automated procedures, while paving the way for future expansion of the workforce.
“This is a very exciting time for Davison’s as we significantly increase our capacity to manufacture puddings and expand our offering,” said managing director Alan Davison. The firm has forecast an 80% increase in revenue over the next four years.
Funding for the ready-to-eat project has been provided by HSBC, which has worked with Davison’s for around 15 years.
“The food industry is a core focus for HSBC UK, and this is a great opportunity for Davison’s to expand its product range and boost their revenue. Its brilliant to see a family-run business go from strength to strength,” said HSBC relationship director Rory Clarke.
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