Return to fresh pies boosts sales at Manchester chippy by 30%

Family firm, The Bosuns, in Hyde, thought frozen pies would be an easier option than the freshly-baked product. But Holland’s challenged them to return to fresh pies and puds, as part of a drive to help chip shop customers make the most of this iconic North West brand.

Five months on, owners father and daughter Philip and Angie Cartwright say customers are “wolfing down the fresh pies at a rate of knots”, and the chippy is now taking delivery of between four and five dozen fresh pies per day, six a days a week.

“Our pie sales are up 30% since January and, quite honestly, we have never seen such customer satisfaction with a product,” says Angie.

“The volume increase in sales shows just how popular the fresh pies are, and it is  not just the customers who like them.

“The fresh pies look very appetising in the cabinet, and they respond so well to the pie warmer that even very young children are asking for a pie with gravy on.”

Holland’s Pies is the North West’s leading supplier of pies and puddings, employing more than 370 people at its Bakery in Baxenden.

The company bakes over 50 million pies and puddings every year, producing one-million pies each week, and serves 70% of the Fish & Chip Shops in the North West, and many retail outlets. More than 1,000 chip shops receive daily deliveries, ranging from just two dozen pies to several dozen.

Holland’s also supplies some of the country’s top football clubs, including Norwich FC, Manchester United, Liverpool, Burnley FC and Blackburn Rovers.

Last year, the company invested in a new 20-strong fleet of more environmentally-efficient delivery vans, aimed at providing a better service to fish and chip shops.

“I can’t believe that we ever thought that serving frozen pies would be an improvement on fresh,” admits Angie.

“Perhaps we saw it as more convenient, but that is not the case. We take delivery at 8am every day of around four dozen pies, a couple of dozen more on Fridays and Saturdays, and if we need something extra the van man will try and get someone to drop it off for us later that day.

“We have never sold any pies or puddings other than Holland’s and we never will.  The quality is great, and with the fresh products the point of sale material we receive is an added reassurance to our customers that we are selling Holland’s. I would not choose another pie for myself and I wouldn’t expect my customers to eat one either,” says Angie.

“Between us my father and I have been in the chippie business for almost 40 years and we know what our customers want.  The Holland’s fresh pies are delicious."

“A fresh pie in the cabinet is so attractive that it draws people in. What more could any business want, and it shows in our bottom line.“