Future looks sweet for cake maker Sidoli

The firm, which was established by its current chairman and sole owner Carlo Sidoli, has enjoyed strong growth in recent years, with its turnover standing at £25 million and plans in place to continue driving expansion at its factory on the Hanfaes Lane Industrial Estate.

Work is already underway on an new seven figure extension to its factory, continuing spending on the company in the last few years which has seen new lines, infrastructure and machinery installed.

The latest addition will add a further 13,000 sq ft of floorspace to its existing 80,000 sq ft factory, which is already operating three shifts to meet demand for its products.

Managing director Paul Richards said the company had continued to thrive even during the economic downturn, and observed a shift in customers' spending patterns to reflect the financial mood.

More flamboyant cakes and ice creams gave way to traditional favourites such as apple pies and meringues, but the upturn in the economy has now led the company to begin ramping up product development, such as the hundreds-and-thousands-covered Sparkle cake which is being sent to cafes and wholesalers.

"We are so diverse, and that has helped us weather the economic storm," Mr Richards said. "We pride ourselves on being flexible.

"There's a lot of innovation driving through at the moment, and it's going to be an exciting year on the new products side.

"We have launched 42 into our portfolio this year already. Our sales team are out at exhibitions across the UK and abroad, promoting them and we are getting some fantastic responses."

He added: "In terms of trends, we are seeing a bit of nostalgia creeping in. You see hundreds and thousands on a cake, and you get the tuck shop cake which has jaffa cakes and chocolate fingers on it, and that's starting to come to the fore.

"We have an aggressive growth strategy over the next three years. We are turning over about £25 million, but we want to be heading towards £30 million plus.

"When we talk about gluten free, that's one big opportunity in a huge growth area of the market."

The company was founded by its current chairman in 1982, in an existing warehouse on the site, since when it has grown dramatically and now supplies major blue chip companies such as Tesco, Costa Coffee owner Whitbread, and Morrisons supermarket.

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies toured the factory on Friday, to mark the latest major accolade for the business.

Sidoli picked up the highest possible grade in available to food manufacturers for their annual British Retail Consortium audit, following an unnanounced inspection.

Of 2,500 sites inspected each year, Sidoli is one of only 168 businesses with top grades.

Mr Richards added: "It's incredible to have done this. We chose to have our inspection unannounced, which you don't have to do, and came out with a fantastic result because of it.

"It strengthens customer confidence in this facility, and the team.."

Sidoli uses between 450 and 500 tonnes of Kentish bramley apples a year, and gets through five to six tonnes of cream a week.

The company makes more than 600 products in Welshpool, with all involving natural produce and production by hand.