9:50am Friday 10th July 2009
by Chris Holland Business Reporter There may be a recession on but people’s taste for a sweet treat is helping a Bradford food company to expand in the face of the credit crunch.
Just Desserts, in Station Road, Shipley, specialises in serving up hand-made desserts for the catering trade.
Rising demand for its products has enabled the company to invest in capacity and introduce a range of new products. It is also hoping to add another employee to its 16-strong workforce later this year.
Just Desserts, is an award-winning bakers and patissiers producing a range of desserts and quiche for restaurants, hotels, pubs and other outlets across Yorkshire.
Founder and managing director James O’Dwyer, who lives in Utley, near Keighley, said: “Things are still tough and we are having to work hard and market ourselves but I’m quietly confident that we can continue to build on our success so far.
“We believe our combination of attention to detail, quality and reliable personal service for customers has been the secret of our success in a difficult trading environment. We are also investing in new products and increased marketing over the next 12 months.”
The business has invested £50,000 in doubling its premises in Shipley and acquiring a new state of the art oven. In the year to March, business was up 15 per cent on the previous year.
New products include a range of bespoke fruit tarts and mousse products for hotels, restaurants and pubs. Mr O’Dwyer is also targeting caterers for corporate events and celebrations such as weddings and anniversaries.
Just desserts sells its products within a 50-mile radius of Bradford and has seen growing demand for quality delicatessen shops.
Mr O’Dwyer founded Just Desserts in 1985 at Salts Mill, Saltaire, and after five years expanded into purpose built premises in Shipley. The firm has won gold awards in the Guild of Fine Foods Great Taste Awards for the last three years.
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