UK consumers spend more than £1bn on pies every year, according to statistics from Mintel.

The nation forked out £165.3m on the humble pork pie in 2016 (Kantar Worldpanel) £4m more than in 2015.

According to research by Toluna, commissioned by the organisers of British Pie Week (6-12 March 2017), 75% of people eat a pie once a month. Researchers also found:

  • 8% of consumers in the south ate more than four pies in a month, while in the north it was 11%.
  • 20% of consumers in Midlands and Wales admitted to eating more than four pies a month, while in Northern Ireland it was 33%. 

Michael Holton, brand marketing manager for Pork Farms, Britain’s biggest pork pie manufacturer, said it had been an incredible year for pork pie sales.

“It’s clear the humble pork pie remains firmly in the affections of the nation,” Holton added. “Demand for snack products and food on-the-go is on a rapid increase, with the average Brit snacking more than three times a week.  This is driving pie sales, with shoppers looking for more high-protein, substantial options for snacking and I can only see British pie eating continuing to grow.”

To celebrate British Pie Week, Pieminister has added The Hopper, a Mexican-inspired cricket and black bean pie, to its range.