A WELL-KNOWN Bradford food manufacturer has acquired a Shipley-based desserts company.

Regal Food Products Group Plc, the Bradford-based food group behind popular brands Regal Bakery, Regal Foods and Yorkshire Baking Company, has acquired premium desserts manufacturer Just Desserts for an undisclosed sum – backed by the commercial team at Virgin Money UK.

Established in 1985 in Shipley, Just Desserts specialise in baking a range of over 130 hand-crafted desserts and cakes, that are distributed throughout the food service industry.

The range of hand-crafted desserts include tarts, cheesecakes and gateaux which already are well established within restaurants, cafes, and retail outlets.

The acquisition of Just Desserts will add to the growing success of Regal Foods Group, whilst complementing and broadening the offer available within the food service and retail industry.

Younis Chaudhry, CEO of Regal Food Products Group Plc, said: “We immediately recognised a business that presented itself with opportunity, not just for us as a food group but also for our customers.

“New product development and innovation has always been at the forefront of our work and bringing Just Desserts and it’s team of craft bakers into the fold, enables us to offer flexibility and the scope to develop the growing range of quality products that are on offer within the retail and wholesale sector. Further developments will also see the high-quality desserts available through ecommerce platforms”

“We are extremely proud to be scaling our portfolio beyond the circle of Regal founded brands and branching out to becoming new owners of Just Desserts - a bakery that harnesses true craftsmanship within the confectionery industry.”

James O’Dwyer, former Managing Director at Just Desserts, added: “We are delighted and excited to be joining the Regal Foods family and know that the Just Desserts brand and all the team behind its success are in the best possiblemed hands to ensure its future growth and prosperity. It really is exciting times ahead.”

Mr Chaudhry confir the acquisition will mean business as usual for Just Desserts which will continue to run as an independent business whilst benefiting hugely from the recourses and ongoing investment the group has to offer.

The acquisition was advised by Mazars, Clarion Solicitors and BHP Corporate Finance.

Regal Foods Product Group Plc manufactures and distributes a vast range of south Asian bakery and confectionery products to more than 3,000 retailers around the UK. It also exports to over 40 countries.