The Phat Way: British Food, Regional Specialities and Sustainability
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 120million Cornish pasties made each year[1].
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.
Where food comes from matters
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 & 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.
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.
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 four 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 20 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 & leisure and sports & 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 support with branding, marketing materials and items such as branded equipment, bags and point of sale. Many customers finding 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
[1] The Cornish Pasty Association
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