Ready-to-fill pastry manufacturer Pidy has advised customers to stock up in case of Brexit-related shortages – and has unveiled plans to grow its presence in the UK.

The business said it might look to open a UK factory in the future, and has launched a new UK website focused on the B2B market.

Speaking at the business’ Technipat factory in Rethel, France, this week, Pidy general manager Robert Whittle told British Baker the business was taking action to ensure its place in the UK market would be secure after 29 March, when the UK is due to leave the EU.

Pidy is encouraging UK customers to stock up on its products from January to March, to ensure they don’t run short should stock take longer to travel across the border. The manufacturer has also put plans in place for customers to purchase in both euros and sterling to overcome any currency fluctuations.

Pidy currently has two factories in France including its Technipat site, plus one in Belgium and one in the US, and Whittle said there was potential for a UK factory in the future.

In the meantime, Pidy is looking for a storage facility in the UK to hold stock, as storage space can be an issue for chefs and bakers.

Plans to increase its UK presence are being supported with a new website aimed at chefs rather than retailers, and will include recipe videos, company information, news and new products.

Whittle added that that the site would be tailored to meet the needs of Pidy’s two core markets: high-end chefs catering for conferences and banquets; and chefs who aren’t experts at making their own pastry. The website will be live in the next few weeks.