Sweet time for cake maker Destiny
THE nation’s love of cakes and pastries is driving sales and investment at a North West food manufacturer.
Destiny Foods, based in Openshaw, east Manchester, expects sales to rise 15% to £12m after a bumper year which has seen it produce more than 16 million cakes and other sweet treats like its best seller, sticky toffee pudding. Its customers include hotels, pub companies, Premier League football clubs and most recently airlines.
After a number of new clients wins the company, which is led by its founder, Richard Watts, has invested more than £2m in new equipment and a site extension that will further increase production capacity. Staff numbers at the business have increased by 20 to 140 over the last year.
New kit includes a high care production facility, ultrasonic portioning machines, and larger rack ovens to improve the overall baking capacity. This investment will increase capacity and efficiency ahead of a 20% forecasted growth in 2015.
It has also strengthened its senior team, with the appointment of a director of manufacturing, a technical manager with 26 years’ experience and a new pastry chef.
Managing director Richard Watts said: “We have experienced double digit growth in 2014 and our expectations for next year are even greater.
“The underlying improvement in the economy is a contributing factor, also new sources of finance fuel hotel developments, city tourism continues to boom and occupancy drives from the hospitality sector have helped drive sales. The ‘afternoon tea’ factor has continued to help drive premium dessert sales. As our customers strive to stay ahead of the game, they are demanding innovation to help push added value offerings.”
Formerly known as Classic Catering, the company rebranded as Destiny Foods in 2013. It operates its own distribution fleet of 35 vehicles and also has a base in the London area.
