West Sussex pie-maker Higgidy has moved up three places to 43rd in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 this year.

West Sussex pie-maker Higgidy has moved up three places to 43rd in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 this year.

The annual league table of the 100 fastest growing privately-owned businesses ranks companies by sales growth over their latest three financial years.

Founded in 2003, Higgidy saw annual sales growth of 76.6%, up from £1.4m in 2006-07 to £8.1m in 2009-10.

The firm produces around 100,000 pies and quiches a week from its base in Shoreham-by-Sea, and said sales have risen due to the larger range of its products now available in Waitrose as well as an increase in the numbers sold each week at Sainsbury’s.

Founder Camilla Stephens added that special tasting evenings have helped the business to understand better what shoppers want.

Bristol pie-maker Pieminister, a new entry this year, was ranked 99th in the table. Sales at the firm, which produces 3.5 million pies a year, have grown 45.2% a year, from £1.6m in 2007 to just under £5m in 2010.

Its pies are available in all major supermarkets, and it has an expanding chain of shops and stalls throughout the country, including stands at major UK music festivals. It also supplies delis, restaurants, pubs and food halls.


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