Yorkshire-based baker and patissier Just Desserts has launched several new products and hopes to tackle the top-end retail sector, following substantial investment at its Shipley factory.

The firm took over a unit that became available next to its factory last year, and spent around £50k doubling the factory’s floor space to around 3,600sq ft, expanding the bakery and investing in new equipment, as well as streamlining and modernising its operations said MD and founder James O’Dwyer. The firm has seen business rise by 15% in the year to March 2009.

"There are a lot of opportunities in the marketplace, so we’re trying to raise the profile of the company," said O’Dwyer.

He explained that the business will look at targeting some of its successful products, such as its award-winning treacle tart, at the top-end retail sector including upmarket foodhalls.

Its new products include pear and almond, and fig and almond franzipans, and it is relaunching Sweethearts - puff pastry hearts with a fruit conserve and a strawberry mousse filling.

Established in 1985, the company currently employs 16 people and supplies the foodservice sector as well as farm shops and delicatessens.