The Phat Pasty Company has products accredited with the Plant-Based Trademark 

The award-winning Phat Pasty Company is today announced as the first pasty company to get products accredited with the Vegetarian Society’s Plant-Based Trademark.

With quality and provenance at its core, Phat Pasty has built a reputation for authentic products that celebrate British ingredients. As the first pasty company to launch a vegan, plant-based pasty over six years ago, Phat has paved the way for plant-based innovation, with vegetarian and vegan options now comprising 50% of its range. Their award-winning selection includes the Peppered Steak-Less Pasty, which was the first-ever vegan pasty to win ‘Best Savoury Pasty’ at the 2022 World Pasty Championships.

Paul Clark, Phat Controller at the Phat Pasty Company, said: “We have forged the way in the growth of vegan products. Our Keralan Cauliflower, Chickpea & Onion Bhaji Pasty was the first plant-based pasty to ever launch to the market and continues to be a best seller. Since then, we’ve worked hard to not only grow our range but ensure it is unmatched in taste, flavour and quality. We’re incredibly proud to break new ground and be the first pasty company to be recognised by the Vegetarian Society’s Plant-Based Trademark.”

The Phat Pasty Company provide authentic hand-made pasties across the UK to both large and small foodservice operations. Now found in cafes, restaurants, theme parks and other large catering locations, they supply some of the largest foodservice wholesalers.
In 2020 they expanded the business to provide a ‘direct to consumer’ option with Phat At Home providing an online home delivery option where consumers were able to enjoy frozen pasties delivered to bake off at home.

Deirdra Barr at the Vegetarian Society, said: “We are excited to see the Plant-Based Trademark getting onto a full range of pasties, pies and savouries . Phat’s Peppered Steak-Less Pasty, Keralan Cauliflower & Onion Bhaji Pasty, Butternut Squash, Spinach and Vegan Feta Pasty and Spinach Balti Pies are some of the amazing products which will be accredited with the Plant-Based Trademark.
“Developments in the marketplace see customers looking for different terminology. ‘Plant-Based’ is a term which resonates with them and manufacturers too. The Plant-Based Trademark offers checking, registration and trademark services for products which meet the criteria and companies who would like to use plant-based terminology, backed up by our trusted third-party certification to give customers the confidence to make informed purchases. Of additional benefit to customers is they can also get their products checked for our Vegan Trademark at the same time, providing marketing choice and cost savings.”

Designed to be the gold standard of plant-based accreditation, the Plant-Based Trademark goes above and beyond the proposed ISO definition offering manufacturers and customers the assurances they are looking for.

The Plant-Based Trademark must have no animal ingredients but offers an extra dimension where products must have a key plant-based characteristic as well. The Plant-Based Trademark has been developed with consultancy after a review of case law and the industry in general.

PASTIES FOR GOOD: PHAT PASTY PLEDGES DONATION TO FOOD HUNGER CHARITY

13 February 2025: As part of its charitable work, B-Corp certified Phat Pasty Company has announced a charitable initiative to support Devon and Cornwall Food Action.

During Cornish Pasty Week 2025 (24 February-2 March), Phat Pasty has pledged to donate 5p to the charity for every traditional Cornish pasty sold. The drive will raise vital funds for Devon and Cornwall Food Action, which works to eliminate food poverty in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall.

The charity is different to a food bank, in that it redistributes donated surplus food from their partners, which include major supermarkets, wholesalers, manufacturers and high street food outlets, to those in need. With a network of nearly 100 volunteers, the donations the charity receive cover the basics that enable them to function, such as warehouse rent, vehicle upkeep and utility bills.

In December 2024 alone, the charity helped 685 individuals and families, providing them with grocery bundles that fill a shopping trolley for a nominal £25 contribution. This not only provided people with much needed, affordable access to food, it also rescued over 17 tons of food. In addition, the charity also supported local soup runs, schools, and breakfast clubs.

Paul Clark, Phat Controller at Phat Pasty, commented: “This is the second time we have supported Devon and Cornwall Food Action. After seeing the real difference the charity has on people in need within their area, as well as the work they do to reduce food waste, it was an easy decision for us to support them again.

“As a supplier of traditional Cornish pasties, made in Cornwall, we feel a great affinity with the area and we’re pleased to be able to donate to a cause which directly benefits the local community.

“As a family business, we knew from the beginning that we wanted to do the right thing when it came to our products, people and planet. Our work was recognised in 2024, when we became B Corp certified^TM, which was an incredible milestone for us. Supporting charities like Devon and Cornwall Food Action aligns with our core values.”

Alan Dunne, Chairman at Devon and Cornwall Food Action, said: “We strive to support everyone in need, whether they’re facing temporary hardships or ongoing struggles. We’re here to ensure no one goes hungry in our community. We simply couldn’t do this without donations and backing from businesses like Phat Pasty. We’re incredibly grateful for their continued support.”

Alongside its support of Devon and Cornwall Food Action, Phat Pasty is involved in wider charitable initiatives. It is partner to The Word Forest Organisation – an environmental charity – which plants trees, builds classrooms and facilitates education in Kenya. To date, Phat’s donations have resulted in nearly 25,000 fast-growing, predominantly food-bearing trees, being planted across Kenya, which have collectively drawn down and locked in 6,094 tonnes of CO2 – helping to offset Phat’s carbon footprint and combat the effects of climate change.

Through its continued charitable and sustainable work, Phat Pasty was the first Cornish Pasty company to achieve B Corp^TM status. As part of the growing B Lab^TM network – the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement – Phat Pasty is amongst a growing group of nationally and globally recognised businesses which are committed to transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet.

Phat Pasty will make the donation to Devon and Cornwall Food Action once Cornish Pasty Week 2025 is complete.

IT’S  OFFICIAL: PHAT PASTY IS B CORP CERTIFIED^TM

20 November 2024: The award-winning Phat Pasty Company, one of the leading UK foodservice suppliers of pies, pasties and savoury treats, has today announced its certification as a B Corporation (B Corp^TM).

Family-owned Phat Pasty, which was founded in 2006 by husband and wife Paul and Laura Clark from their kitchen table, is the first Cornish Pasty company to achieve B Corp^TM status.

Phat Pasty, as part of the growing  B Lab^TM network – the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement – is amongst a growing group of nationally and globally recognised businesses which are committed to transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet.

Paul Clark, Phat Controller at Phat Pasty, commented: “We’re over the moon to be able to confirm that we’re B Corp certified^TM; a hugely significant milestone for us. As a family business, we knew from the beginning that we wanted to do the right thing when it came to our products, people and planet.

“From day one we’ve remained true to our sourcing policy of using British Assured meats across our full product ranges, leading the way with plant-based options and striving to enhance sustainability and food miles, helping us work towards meeting our Net Zero and ESG Carbon targets.”

Some of the social and environmental intiatives Phat Pasty has implemented:

• In 2019, Phat Pasty partnered with The Word Forest Organisation, the environmental charity, which plants trees, builds classrooms and facilitates education in Kenya. To date, Phat’s donations have resulted in nearly 25,000 fast-growing, predominantly food-bearing trees, being planted across Kenya, which have collectively drawn down and locked in 6,094 tonnes of CO2 – helping to offset Phat’s carbon footprint and combat the effects of climate change.
• As part of the partnership with The Word Forest Organisation, Phat has also helped to support the building of a classroom in Kenya, providing a much-needed education hub for children within the community, and helping set the young people up for a brighter future.
• Since conception, Phat has remained unrelentingly committed to using British meats and natural ingredients. Already a Soil Association Food for Life Supplier and supporting the ‘Food for Life’ scheme, this year (2024) Phat also became a Food Hero, supporting Love British Food and British Food Fortnight.
• Phat is also involved in other UK charities and organisations that help fight hunger and food waste, including FareShare and Devon and Cornwall Food Action.
• Phat’s company cars are all 100% electric.
• An employee carbon reduction focus group has been established, where the team can share ideas on how to further change the way the company operates to reduce carbon.

Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab^TM UK, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp^TM movement, says: “We are delighted to welcome Phat Pasty to the B Corp^TM community. This is a movement of companies that are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good. We know that Phat Pasty are going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.”

Paul Clark, continues: “This was a long road to walk and the application process was rigorous. But we’re so pleased we commited and made this happen. Our endeavours won’t stop here. Now we’ve met these high standards, it’s our job to ensure we maintain amd improve on them. We’re excited for the future and what the coming months hold for us.”

B Corp Certification^TM assesses the entirety of a business’ operations and currently covers five main impact areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers. The certification process is rigorous, with companies required to reach a score of 80 points in the B Impact Assessment while providing evidence of responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity, and corporate transparency.

Available nationally via wholesalers, and with a full range of pasties, sausage rolls, savouries and pies, Phat is now supporting caterers and foodservice organisations to help meet their individual sustainability and environmental goals.

Phat’s original moto of ‘Eat Well. Have Fun.’ Now adds ‘Do Good.’ to their mission.

Phat plant over 24,000 trees and support communities in Kenya

We’re on a mission to minimise our impact on the environment as much as possible. As part of our eco-efforts, we partnered with The Word Forest Organisation charity in 2019. Founded by husband and wife Tracey and Simon West, the environmental and education charity plants trees, builds classrooms and facilitates education in Kenya.

To date, our donations have resulted in 24,378 fast-growing, predominantly food-bearing trees, being planted across Kenya, which have collectively drawn down and locked in 6,094 tonnes of CO2 – helping to offset our carbon footprint and combat the effects of climate change.

Not only this, but we have also helped to support the building of a classroom in Kenya, providing a much-needed education hub for children within the community, and helping set the young people up for a brighter future.

Paul and Laura Clark, our Phat Controllers and Founders, visited the charity in Kenya in 2022. They said: “We’re proud to be a Corporate Partner of the Word Forest Organisation. Not only does the charity make such a wonderful difference to communities in Kenya, it also makes a hugely positive impact on the climate through off-setting CO2. The charity is perfectly aligned to our personal and business ethos and makes a real difference.

“When we visited, we saw first-hand not only the vast number of trees planted along with food and income provided for the community from the trees, but the classrooms and education opportunities that have been enabled too. On our visits to the two centres in Kenya we were accompanied by a permaculture expert. The communities had first hand training in the planting, nurturing and managing of the trees to ensure their growth and vigour.

“The project brings people together; not only do they learn and socialise together but they can engage and play sports together too. We took football kits out for all the children; we wanted to gift them something they would like but also find useful too.”

Tracey West, co-Founder of The Word Forest, said: “The work we do enables the community to help itself, and will impact many generations to come. The women and mothers – known as ‘The Women of the Forest’ – are incredibly resourceful; as well as planting and nurturing their trees, they have set up freshwater kiosks, a social support network and attend literacy and numeracy lessons. Their children also attend with them, giving them a head start; many of their mothers never had the opportunity to go to school so this is changing the future for the next generation.

“The trees not only provide fruits and nuts repeatedly each year, they provide the women an income opportunity. The more trees planted, the more that will grow in years to come, meaning as their children become older, they will inherit a forest that is producing food and income steadily.

“As part of the support the ‘Mothers of the Forest’ meet regularly to share other skills and support each other with the numerous challenges they face living in remote areas. This womens’ empowerment group provides practical benefits to the whole community.

“It’s fantastic to have Phat Pasty as a sponsor. Their contributions and support have made a significant difference to us and the people we support.”

Alongside our work with The Word Forest Organisation, we have also taken other steps to minimise our environmental impact. As a business we now have converted the team to driving electric vehicles where possible and using environmental packaging for our pasties, pies and savoury ranges. This includes being the first company in the savoury pastry arena to use 100% biodegradable packaging for a range launched over 10 years ago. Phat’s direct-to-customer ‘Phat at Home’ delivery service now uses fully recycleable packaging and every plant-based delivery is sent in vegan-friendly packaging.

We are now working towards achieving B-Corp accreditation and hope to announce this milestone within the coming months. Few companies achieve these standards and we are excited to be on the way to joining a small and commited group of companies who have met the certification process.

The Phat team

Phat Pasty Supports Love British Food and British Food Fortnight

Paul and Laura, co-Founders of Phat Pasty, knew from the start that they wanted to offer premium, quality products; and a big part of that was putting the provenance of ingredients at the centre of the products. All of Phat’s pasties, pies and sausage rolls use British farm assured meats, reassuring consumers on where their food is coming from and supporting farmers too.

Already a Soil Association Food for Life Supplier, this year (2024) Phat Pasty has also become a Food Hero, supporting Love British Food and British Food Fortnight, which takes place from 20th September-6^th October 2024.

A national campaign, British Food Fortnight celebrates the country’s food and drink industry, highlights the diversity and quality of British produce and encourages people to support local farmers, producers, and food businesses.

During the two-week period, Phat Pasty is supporting their customers such as Welcome Break, Red Funnel Ferries and Butlins holiday parks with branding, POS and bunting, highlighting the British meat and ingredients in their award-winning traditional Cornish Pasties and Jumbo Sausage Rolls. Many smaller independent customers are also using these materials on their hot cabinets and counters to help customers see their support of British Food Fortnight in selling the Phat ranges.

Paul Clark, Phat Controller at Phat Pasty, commented: “For us, the very essence and heart of our business is rooted in creating artisan, quality products with British at the centre of what we do.

“It’s very tricky for consumers to know where the food they are eating is from. Brands can claim their products are British when, in reality, it’s just one small ingredient that is British – and often it’s not always the main ingredient.

“The provenance of products is important; not only do we use British farm assured meats but we produce products that are of the highest quality and have a point of difference to the competition. Our Phat Traditional Cornish pasty not only features British farm assured steak, but is made with 17% vs the standard 12.5% meat contents. Our Seriously Cheesy pasty is not just a Cheese & Onion pasty, but contains West Country Cheddar, Red Leicester and has a creamy béchamel sauce. We also offer more artisan, deli-style products, such as Chunky Sausage Rolls, with a higher British pork content. Offering quality British meat not only reassures consumers on where their food is coming from but supports farmers too.

“We’re delighted to be able to support Love British Food and British Food Fortnight this year, and help fly the flag for the great produce we have here in Britain.”

The Phat team

The Cornish pasty seeks sustainability while staying true to tradition

Food & drink20 Sep 2024

With a protected status, there are certain factors that go into making a true Cornish pasty – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be more sustainable. The Phat Pasty Company looks at how to help people and planet with pasties

Alongside a Sunday roast, a full English breakfast and a cup of tea, a Cornish pasty is up there with some of the classics of British food and drink, with at least 120 million Cornish pasties made each year. 

A Cornish pasty is special; it has a deep, historical connection with Cornwall and has Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, meaning that only pasties made in Cornwall, following traditional methods, can be officially called ‘Cornish pasties.’ This designation helps preserve the authentic recipe and production process.

A genuine Cornish pasty will have a minimum of 12.5% meat, traditionally made with beef skirt, potato, swede and onion, and have the side edge sealed by crimping. It’s these little touches that make a Cornish pasty, what it is.

Sourcing ingredients for Cornish pasties

Although sourcing local produce, staying true to authentic processes and seeking the best quality ingredients can be more costly than importing cheaper alternatives, the benefits of investing in British produce has far-reaching benefits; benefits that the Phat Pasty Company think are incredibly important.

• Supporting the local economy: Purchasing British meat and ingredients supports local farmers, producers, and businesses, boosting the local economy, creating jobs, and sustaining rural communities.·    
• Traceability, food safety and animal welfare: When using local ingredients, it can be easier to trace their origin and ensure they meet specific safety and quality standards. The UK also has stringent animal welfare laws, including the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which ensures that animals are provided with a suitable living environment, proper food and water, and are protected from harm and suffering.
• Sustainability: Local sourcing often reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances. British produce might be grown or raised with practices that align with local environmental standards, which can be more sustainable compared to importing from abroad.

Phat Pasty Chunky Sausage Roll

HyperFocal:

British farmers, sustainability, planet and communities at the core

For Phat, the very essence and heart of their business is rooted in creating artisan, quality products with British at the centre of what they do.

Paul Clark, Phat Controller at Phat Pasty, commented: “From when we started in 2006 (with my wife Laura and I at our kitchen table and a converted campervan), to now where we partner with the leading wholesalers to supply the foodservice sector on a national scale – from universities, healthcare, pubs, restaurants, leisure sites, tourist attractions and stadia – we’ve not wavered from our commitment to British ingredients. We knew from the beginning we wanted to offer premium, quality products; and a big part of that was sourcing British where we can.

“It’s very tricky for consumers to know where the food they are eating is from. Brands can claim their products are British when, in reality, it’s just one small ingredient that is British – and often it’s not always the main ingredient. The provenance of products is important, and all of our pasties, pies and sausage rolls use British farm assured meats.

“Not only this but we produce products that are of the highest quality and have a point of difference to the competition. Our Phat Traditional Cornish pasty not only features British farm assured steak, but is made with 17% vs the standard 12.5% meat contents. Our Seriously Cheesy pasty is not just a Cheese & Onion pasty, but contains West Country Cheddar, Red Leicester and has a creamy béchamel sauce. We also offer more artisan, deli-style products, such as Chunky Sausage Rolls, with a higher British pork content. Offering quality British meat not only reassures consumers on where their food is coming from but supports farmers too.

“We want to help preserve traditional British recipes and culinary practices, which are important for maintaining cultural heritage and regional specialties. We offer true Cornish pasties, made in Cornwall, and pies made in Spalding – both areas synonymous with the heritage of the product.”

As a result of maintaining and championing quality, Phat is a multi-award-winning brand at the World Pasty Championships, Taste of The West and British Pie Awards, over a number of years.

Phat Pasty’s awards

Explaining how they have diversified their offering, Paul Clark shares: “When we introduced pies into our range we knew that we had to stick to our principles and mirror what we had achieved with our pasties and sausage rolls. We decided to offer all of the British favourite flavours such as Steak and Cornish Ale, Chicken Bacon and Mushroom, and Lamb Rosemary & Garlic Potato, with great tasting vegetarian and vegan options, such as Sweet Potato, Spinach & Goats Cheese and a Spicy Cauliflower Balti Pie.

“During 2024, we expanded the range into gluten free and plant-based options, such as Mushroom Bourguignon pie, covering all of the dietary and lifestyle choices. We have forged the way in the growth of vegan products and were the first to introduce a vegan, plant-based pasty. Our Keralan, Cauliflower, Chickpea & Onion Bhaji Pasty was launched over six years ago and has continued to be a best seller.”

British Food Fortnight – Food Hero

Since conception, Phat Pasty has remained unrelentingly committed to using British meats and natural ingredients. Already a Soil Association Food for Life Supplier, this year (2024) Phat Pasty also became a Food Hero, supporting Love British Food and British Food Fortnight, which takes place from 20th September-6th October 2024.

A national campaign, British Food Fortnight, celebrates the country’s food and drink industry, highlights the diversity and quality of British produce and encourages people to support local farmers, producers, and food businesses.

During the two-week period, Phat Pasty is supporting their customers such as Welcome Break, Red Funnel Ferries and Butlins holiday parks with branding, POS and bunting, highlighting the British meat and ingredients in their award-winning traditional Cornish Pasties and Jumbo Sausage Rolls. Many smaller independent customers are also using these materials on their hot cabinets and counters to help customers see their support of British Food Fortnight in selling the Phat ranges.

Versatility shouldn’t compromise quality

Paul Clark, concludes: “Pies, pasties and savoury treats are incredibly versatile. They can be grabbed as a quick handheld snack on a work lunch break, feature as the main dish on a plate or offer customers an easy-to-eat, on-the-go snack.

“Served in cafes, restaurants, theme park kiosks, travel and leisure, and sports and events, the pasty is a perfect food offer. For the caterer they offer a recognisable and profitable option. Delivered frozen, they can be simply baked-off and sold direct from a hotplate or heated cabinet. This means that virtually any member of staff can prepare them with relative ease, and consumers are offered the same quality serve each and every time.

“But just because they are so versatile and accessible, doesn’t mean the quality should be compromised. Don’t be fooled by its humble appearance; if it’s stuffed full of goodness, a pie or pasty holds its own against any lunch or dinner item on the menu.”

Serving Phat pasties or pies represents selling a quality, authentic and truly British favourite to customers. Phat supports with branding, marketing materials and items such as branded equipment, bags and point of sale. Many customers find that selling a quality Phat product increases sales, customer satisfaction and supports their own standards, business ethos and CSR goals within their operations and business.

Supplied via both national and regional foodservice wholesalers, the Phat Pasty ranges are now readily available to buy and sell across the UK.

For further information on Phat Pasty please contact the phatcontroller@phatpasty.com or visit www.phatpasty.com

In January 2023 we visited our Charity in Kenya to see first hand the amazing work that the Charity are doing !

Every plant based pasty, pie, roll and savoury that we sell to customers, we make a donation to the Charity.

We were also celebrating the milestone of us donating over 10,000 trees to be planted in Bore region and to accompany the Charity, seeing first hand the impact on communities that the Charity also have in the region.

During our trip we met ‘The Mothers Of the Forest’ who are the groups of women responsible for the planting and nurturing of the trees.
As a part of this programme, the Charity also support the women and help empower them to make a sustainable living from the project – planting the trees, caring for them to maturity and then gaining nutritious fruits for their families.

Ironically, in this area, previously the main source of income was from charcoal burning – plantingsg 10,000 trees has now allowed us to offset our full carbon footprint as well as contribution 500 tonnes of CO2 into our atmosphere.

In 2022 following our donations, we were also able to supply materials for the building of a classroom for children in the village.

Whilst we were in Malindi on the East Coast of Kenya we took part in a permaculture training session – this was geared to help the team understand the best way to plant and develop the trees planted.

Meeting the women was an inspiration with Eva the manager of the project being an amazing women leading the initiative.

We were also able to provide a moped and two lap-top computers to help make the communications and practical day to day support work.

Following the visit to Malindi we traveled to Rusinga Island – just on the banks of lake Victoria.

This is the newest project and here an area has been donated, cleared and ready to start the second project for Word Forest.

Here we also wanted to get more involvement from the men in the village and to support this we were able to create and form Rusinga Rovers FC.
With shirts and full football kits donated by Bristol Rover FC (The Bristol Rovers Community Trust), we were able to engage with over 40 boys and young men in the village.

Many of the team arriving with old, and worn shoes or boots, or in some cases, no shoes at all to enjoy the fun of playing football as a team.

Following a great day forming Rusinga Rovers, the team all came the next day to the new project area and planted trees – a new initiative being hatched ‘Trees for Trainers’ !

Not wanting to be left out – we also initiated the forming of a women team ‘Rusinga Women’ and such is the power of sport, community and working together. The project to plant further trees in Rusinga is now well on its way..

It was so great to see the Phat Keralan, Cauliflower, Chickpea & Onion Bhaji Pasty being featured on ‘Love your weekend’ with Alan Titchmarsh.

Andy Clarke reviewed our Pasty with some special guests and they certainly went down a treat. Alan was impressed and went back to finish off the pasty !

The feature was shown during Cornish pasty week – every vegan pasty that Phat sold, we made a direct donation to Devon & Cornwall Food Action, helping communities across the region.

Watch the whole feature here on ITV

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Winning Gold and overall Pub Pie of the Year, we had a great time at the British Pie Awards 2023.

The Winner for the Pub Pie category was our NEW Scottish Estate Venison & Red Wine Pie.
This pie is destined for many pub, restaurant and caterers menus from September and will be featured as our Winter and Festive Pie option.

Also winning 2 further Golds, 3 silvers and 3 Bronze awards for both Pasties & Pies at the 2023 Awards.

The New Phat Pies were only re-launched in March 2023, so this is a fantastic success and underlines the move to our new format of pies..