Calling for "a more balanced debate" on the relative nutritional value of pies and pastries, md Neil Court-Johnston said: “We’ve put together the Hot Cross Pie as a bit of fun. The fact that it happens at a time when pies are taking another beating in the news is no surprise, but it does highlight the raw deal they get in comparison to other snacks.”
Court-Johnston said he is targeting popular misconception about pies, the market for which is worth £1bn in the UK: “It's not that easy to find a good sandwich that has fewer than 500 calories, whereas a lot of our products are in the 400-500 calorie range.”
Food police agenda
“Equally, on Easter weekend, should you have an average-sized … Easter egg, you will be looking at up to 1,000 calories, whilst a piece of home-made Simnel cake is almost 600 calories. Even a Hot Cross Bun with a knob of butter and some jam is over 300 calories…”
"The ‘food police’ may have their own agenda, but I actually want to broaden the appeal of savoury pastry. In other countries there is a very different perception of pastry and a broader customer base, so I believe there is much to talk about," said Court-Johnston.
“In the last five years [the UK pie industry] has moved a long way in removing hydrogenated fats, and reducing salt levels, E numbers, artificial flavours and preservatives. Effectively, what we have now is a tasty casserole with a lid on it."