Pie-maker wins slice of Co-op business

Family-run firm the Topping Pie Company, which has a factory in Doncaster, has signed an agreement to supply 200 stores.

The company said its pies are all made to family recipes using locally-sourced, natural ingredients created by its quality development director, Maggie Topping, who started the business in her family kitchen.

The Co-operative will stock nine products, including family size pork pies, meat and potato pies, small steak pies and pasties. Huntsman and Scrumpy pies from the Topping Speciality range and individual Quiche Lorraine and Cheese & Onion quiches will also be stocked by the stores.

The national contract forms part of the Topping Pie Company's long-term growth strategy, which included a recent 500,000 investment in doubling the size of its bakery.

Toppings employs 50 staff and directors said the new contract could lead to future job creation.

Managing director Roger Topping said: "We are absolutely delighted to be working with the Co-operative, a retailer known for stocking high-quality food that is produced and marketed in a way that its customers can trust.

"Our pies and quiches are passionately made in our custom-designed bakery to the highest standards, so Co-operative customers are assured of a perfect product every time.

"We have enjoyed strong growth over the last few years, despite the economic downturn and are thrilled that our pies are now available nationally through the Co-operative."

Ric Griffith-Read, a category buyer at the Co-operative, added: "We're pleased to be working with the Topping Pie Company and we're always happy to support local, family-run suppliers such as this one.

"The products are of the highest quality and we're certain our customers will enjoy this new offering to our range."