Tasty deal for food group as it snaps up desserts producer

Regal Food Products Group, a Bradford-based food group behind the brands Regal Bakery, Regal Foods and Yorkshire Baking Company, has acquired premium desserts manufacturer, Just Desserts.

The deal, which was made for an undisclosed sum, was backed by the commercial team at Virgin Money UK.

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

Its desserts include tarts, cheesecakes and gateaux, products which are well established within restaurants, cafes, and retail outlets.

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

Younis Chaudhry, CEO of Regal, said: “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.”

James O’Dwyer, former managing director of 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 possible hands to ensure its future growth and prosperity. It really is exciting times ahead.”

Chaudhry said Just Desserts will continue to run as an independent business whilst benefiting from the resources and ongoing investment the group has to offer.

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