Kate's Cakes builds on lines for the indulgence sector

Sussex-based hand-crafted cake specialist Kate's Cakes has introduced a new range of indulgent cakes for coffee shops, cafes and independent retailers.

The company is building on its portfolio of indulgent cakes with a host of new products, including Chocolate orange marbled cake, Choc n nut shortbread and Mocha brownies.

According to new product development manager Katherine Hall, the consumption of whole cakes is declining, but people are eating more single portion cakes on the hoof and demand for indulgent treats for mums taking a morning coffee break is also growing.

The cake maker provides both pre-portioned whole cakes to outlets such as coffee bars and cafes, as well as individually-wrapped wedge slices, loaf slices and tray bakes to the independents.

Its products all have a home-cooked quality and finish and because of this the factory has a low level of automation and a workforce that carries out a lot of hand icing and finishing.

A new 2,043m2factory, opened near its sister factory in Ashington in January, has enabled the company to reorganise the production of the lines for flapjacks and brownies under one roof, making their manufacture more efficient.

The cake sector is seeing a return to traditional products and flavours, such as Victoria sandwich and treacle tart, but with a contemporary twist, says Hall.

The company aims to offer premium quality products using only natural ingredients. Hall says: "Because consumers are becoming more discerning about what they eat we only use free-range eggs and we also use fair trade products such as cocoa and coffee.

"Just as the new mini coupe sparked up the mini car market, we see ourselves as the souped-up version in the cake sector."

The company has also developed products for the 'free-from' market, including a dairy-free granola bar and a gluten-free product, and it also offers a low-fat cake.

The company plans to widen its distribution in the UK and has revamped its packaging.