BARNSLEY baking industry expert Jacqui Jackson has joined food giants Mr Whippy after it confirmed its senior team for its South Yorkshire manufacturing base.

Jacqui joins as head of new product development as the heritage brand, synonymous with British culture and tradition for thousands of people, confirming that confectionery and bakery manufacturing in the UK is investing in skills to innovate and scale.

Jackson, who has worked for some of the country’s biggest bakeries, developing products such as the Jaffa mini roll, Mars branded cake bars and caramel shortcakes for Thorntons, brings years of successful sector experience in new product development and innovation, and will work closely with Mr Whippy founder and CEO Michael Corrado Jackson, on invention and fun ingredients, while keeping brand values at the forefront of her work.

Michael said: “We are building a team of vital, elite staff who will head up not just another production site, but a symbol of what happens when innovation, category expansion, persistence and skills come together.

“Modernised production can unlock growth in a cost-conscious, quality-driven retail market.

“The facility will disrupt the market and set new standards for quality.

“Investment in automation and layout, to sourcing world class skills and equipment represent key components of our strategy to offer quality, maintain product consistency and operational efficiency.

“The products will be fully launched in September with a number of high profile retailers already signed up.”