Plea for panellists to get teeth into pie perfection

Search to find Rochdale's passionate pie eaters.

Rochdale's most passionate pie-eaters are wanted for a specialist panel in a quest for pie perfection.

Neil Court-Johnston, managing director at Baxendale firm Holland’s, is on a mission to reawaken the region’s passion for pies.

He said: “Wherever you are, the issue of what makes a good pie generates a lively debate and it’s fair to say that the North-West is livelier than others.

“A desire is apparent for good quality, traditional British fare and, as a company that makes more than 80 million pies, puddings and pasties each year, we have decided to open a debate.

“It’s all about letting people know that we do listen.”

Holland’s is looking for a 12-strong panel to help product development manager Maria Yuste ensure its pies are of the highest quality.

Those selected will be invited to a series of tasting sessions to review every recipe and to offer their opinions.

Maria said: “If selected, you will be invited to advise us on existing products, help us to create new recipe ideas, and to try new dishes before anyone else.

“For many years, we’ve remained loyal to the recipes people have known and loved for generations and keeping in touch with people’s tastes is incredibly important to us at Holland’s.

“This is a great opportunity for people to play an important role in the future of Holland’s Pies and to help us to shape the decisions we take.”

Anyone interested in taking part should send an email to:

Leanne.Holcroft@NorthernFoods.com