Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
The Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association is a group of pork pie manufacturers in the Melton Mowbray area of England. The association was set up in 1998 with the aim of helping to protect the Melton Mowbray pork pie.
In 1999 the association, a group of seven local manufacturers, applied to the EU to have their products categorised as having PGI, to ensure that only pies made in an area around Melton Mowbray could use the Melton Mowbray name.
Northern Foods, a large food corporation, tried to prevent this move over the usage of "Melton Mowbray" on the wrappings of its own pork pies. Northern Foods viewed the situation as unfair and stated in press releases that the MMPPA's dominant member, Samworth Brothers, has made cured and uncured pork pies in Leicester and that the designation area was shaped to include the Samworth factory there. According to Northern Foods, 99% of the pork pies made under the association banner are made by Samworth Brothers. Northern Foods took the matter to the European Court of Justice but the appeal was eventually withdrawn. Northern Foods' move against the new requirements was dismissed by the High Court. The PGI application was finally granted on 4 April 2008 and the PGI status came into effect in July 2009.
The name Melton Mowbray can now only be applied to uncured pork-filled pies cooked without supporting hoops and made within a 1,800 square mile zone around the town. Permissible ingredients are fresh pork (pies must be at least 30% meat), shortening (usually lard), pork gelatine or stock, wheat flour, water, salt and spices (predominantly pepper). Artificial colours, flavours and preservatives are not allowed.
Prior to PGI status coming into effect, Pork Farms (who had taken over Northern Foods' pork pie interests) announced that their Bowyers factory at Trowbridge in Wiltshire would close with the loss of 400 jobs. Production of the (mainly Melton Mowbray branded) pies was transferred to Nottingham, which is inside the area in which Melton Mowbray pies can be made under the PGI rules.
Members of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association include Chappells Fine Foods Ltd, makers of a traditional and age old award winning Forryan pork pie, and Samworth Brothers. Members argue that the association provides protection for smaller producers of premium quality traditionally made Pork Pies such as Chappells Fine Foods Ltd.
- F Bailey & Son of Upper Broughton
- Chappell's Fine Foods of Wigston
- Walkers (Charnwood Bakery) of Beaumont Leys
- Dickinson & Morris of Melton Mowbray
- Mrs Elizabeth King of Cotgrave
- Mark Patrick Butchers of Birstall
- Nelsons of Stamford
- Brocklebys Farm Shop of Melton Mowbray
- Northfield Farm of Cold Overton
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