The Cornish pasty seeks sustainability while staying true to tradition

British farmers, sustainability, planet and communities at the core

For Phat, the very essence and heart of their business is rooted in creating artisan, quality products with British at the centre of what they do.

Paul Clark, Phat Controller at Phat Pasty, commented: “From when we started in 2006 (with my wife Laura and I at our kitchen table and a converted campervan), to now where we partner with the leading wholesalers to supply the foodservice sector on a national scale – from universities, healthcare, pubs, restaurants, leisure sites, tourist attractions and stadia – we’ve not wavered from our commitment to British ingredients. We knew from the beginning we wanted to offer premium, quality products; and a big part of that was sourcing British where we can.

“It’s very tricky for consumers to know where the food they are eating is from. Brands can claim their products are British when, in reality, it’s just one small ingredient that is British – and often it’s not always the main ingredient. The provenance of products is important, and all of our pasties, pies and sausage rolls use British farm assured meats.

“Not only this but we produce products that are of the highest quality and have a point of difference to the competition. Our Phat Traditional Cornish pasty not only features British farm assured steak, but is made with 17% vs the standard 12.5% meat contents. Our Seriously Cheesy pasty is not just a Cheese & Onion pasty, but contains West Country Cheddar, Red Leicester and has a creamy béchamel sauce. We also offer more artisan, deli-style products, such as Chunky Sausage Rolls, with a higher British pork content. Offering quality British meat not only reassures consumers on where their food is coming from but supports farmers too.

“We want to help preserve traditional British recipes and culinary practices, which are important for maintaining cultural heritage and regional specialties. We offer true Cornish pasties, made in Cornwall, and pies made in Spalding – both areas synonymous with the heritage of the product.”

As a result of maintaining and championing quality, Phat is a multi-award-winning brand at the World Pasty Championships, Taste of The West and British Pie Awards, over a number of years.

Explaining how they have diversified their offering, Paul Clark shares: “When we introduced pies into our range we knew that we had to stick to our principles and mirror what we had achieved with our pasties and sausage rolls. We decided to offer all of the British favourite flavours such as Steak and Cornish Ale, Chicken Bacon and Mushroom, and Lamb Rosemary & Garlic Potato, with great tasting vegetarian and vegan options, such as Sweet Potato, Spinach & Goats Cheese and a Spicy Cauliflower Balti Pie.

“During 2024, we expanded the range into gluten free and plant-based options, such as Mushroom Bourguignon pie, covering all of the dietary and lifestyle choices. We have forged the way in the growth of vegan products and were the first to introduce a vegan, plant-based pasty. Our Keralan, Cauliflower, Chickpea & Onion Bhaji Pasty was launched over six years ago and has continued to be a best seller.”

British Food Fortnight – Food Hero

Since conception, Phat Pasty has remained unrelentingly committed to using British meats and natural ingredients. Already a Soil Association Food for Life Supplier, this year (2024) Phat Pasty also became a Food Hero, supporting Love British Food and British Food Fortnight, which takes place from 20th September-6th October 2024.

A national campaign, British Food Fortnight, celebrates the country’s food and drink industry, highlights the diversity and quality of British produce and encourages people to support local farmers, producers, and food businesses.

During the two-week period, Phat Pasty is supporting their customers such as Welcome Break, Red Funnel Ferries and Butlins holiday parks with branding, POS and bunting, highlighting the British meat and ingredients in their award-winning traditional Cornish Pasties and Jumbo Sausage Rolls. Many smaller independent customers are also using these materials on their hot cabinets and counters to help customers see their support of British Food Fortnight in selling the Phat ranges.

Versatility shouldn’t compromise quality

Paul Clark, concludes: “Pies, pasties and savoury treats are incredibly versatile. They can be grabbed as a quick handheld snack on a work lunch break, feature as the main dish on a plate or offer customers an easy-to-eat, on-the-go snack.

“Served in cafes, restaurants, theme park kiosks, travel and leisure, and sports and events, the pasty is a perfect food offer. For the caterer they offer a recognisable and profitable option. Delivered frozen, they can be simply baked-off and sold direct from a hotplate or heated cabinet. This means that virtually any member of staff can prepare them with relative ease, and consumers are offered the same quality serve each and every time.

“But just because they are so versatile and accessible, doesn’t mean the quality should be compromised. Don’t be fooled by its humble appearance; if it’s stuffed full of goodness, a pie or pasty holds its own against any lunch or dinner item on the menu.”

Serving Phat pasties or pies represents selling a quality, authentic and truly British favourite to customers. Phat supports with branding, marketing materials and items such as branded equipment, bags and point of sale. Many customers find that selling a quality Phat product increases sales, customer satisfaction and supports their own standards, business ethos and CSR goals within their operations and business.

Supplied via both national and regional foodservice wholesalers, the Phat Pasty ranges are now readily available to buy and sell across the UK.

For further information on Phat Pasty please contact the phatcontroller@phatpasty.com or visit www.phatpasty.com