Daystar Desserts is known for its "World's Best Cheesecake."

NEWBURYPORT, MASS. — Dianne’s Fine Desserts, a provider of frozen thaw-and-serve desserts for the food service industry, has acquired Daystar Desserts, an Ashland, Va.-based maker of retail desserts.

“Daystar Desserts has an established reputation for culinary excellence, strong market insight and rapid execution of emerging trends,” said Mike Knowles, chief executive officer of Dianne’s Fine Desserts. “This exciting partnership will leverage Daystar’s retail products and production capabilities as we expand our frozen and in-store bakery distribution and gourmet offerings.”

Founded 17 years ago by culinary chef John Fernandez in his mother’s kitchen, Daystar Desserts has seen production grow to 15,000 cakes a day from 15 at the company’s outset. The company is known for its “World’s Best Cheesecake,” as well as various private label in-store bakery desserts. Daystar Desserts operates under kosher supervision, has an SQF Level 2 rating and has won numerous awards and recognition.

“Our partnership with Dianne’s Fine Desserts is a synergistic win, enabling us to grow and expand our business platforms with each company contributing our unique expertise and product insights for the benefit of our customers,” Mr. Fernandez said.

Dianne’s Fine Desserts, headquartered in Newburyport, supplies frozen brownies/bars, cheesecakes, layer cakes and individual specialty desserts to the food service industry. The company operates two manufacturing facilities that are fully GFSI certified. Daystar Desserts will operate as a division of Dianne’s Fine Desserts.