Savoury pastry manufacturer Pukka is to invest £5m in its bakery in Syston, Leicestershire, in a move that will “significantly” enhance its manufacturing capacity and capability.

The investment, according to Pukka, will help it gear up for future growth and reinforce its position as a key employer in the region.

It comes as the business revealed annual turnover rose 6.8% to £52.7m, with profits of £3.6m.

“We introduced some big changes last year, and the good news is that they have paid off, with an increase in demand for our pies,” said Pukka CEO Deborah Ewan, who joined the business in 2017.

“But we’re not resting on our laurels. Our ambition is to put more pies on more plates and in order to do that we need to increase production in the bakery. That means a significant investment in upgrading machinery to ensure we are enhancing the capability and capacity of the bakery.”

Pukka has also sought to improve its environmental credentials recently by rolling out plastic-free packaging across its chilled single and sharing portfolio, as well as updating recipes and branding. This was supported by the second wave of a campaign called The People’s Pie.

“The last year has marked a significant step-change for the business, including the launch of a successful and bold new marketing and TV campaign, as well as investment in a new look and more environmentally friendly packaging,” added Ewan. “So, it is very exciting to reinforce our growth and development with the announcement of further investment in our bakery.”

To find out more about the history of Pukka, read our profile piece: ‘Born & Bread: Pukka Pies, Syston, Leicestershire’.