The UK arm of food giant Dr Oetker has reported increased turnover and profits in its latest results. It is now set for further growth following the recent acquisition of a cake decoration specialist.
Dr Oetker (UK) is headquartered on Thorpe Park in Leeds and operates a manufacturing site in Leyland. It sponsors Channel 4 show The Great British Bake Off.
The company's products include pizza brands Chicago Town and Ristorante.
Dr Oetker (UK) reported turnover of £172.1m for the year ending 31 December 2018, up from £161.4m in 2017.
Pre-tax profit also increased to £24.1m from £18.7m the year before.
Johannes Rosenthal, Dr Oetker managing director UK, said: "Dr Oetker continues to be one of the UK’s leading suppliers of both pizza and baking ingredients and decorations. We are satisfied with the business performance overall which is in line with our expectations.
"Our vision, is to encourage and enable the sustained growth of the business through continued investment in our brands and production capabilities and are buoyed by our future plans."
Dr Oetker UK has recently acquired Kent-based Cake Craft World, which sells a range of products online, including decorating equipment, cake tins, icing mixes and cake boxes.
Earlier this year, the company also completed a £30m investment at its Leyland facility.
The operation has a new production line, raw materials storage capacity and technology, which will lead to faster and more efficient freezing. Dr Oetker acquired the Schwan’s facility and the Chicago Town brand in 2009.
The wider Dr Oetker group was founded in Germany in 1891.
