Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association facts for kids
The Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association is a group of companies that make special pork pies. They are all located near Melton Mowbray in England, UK. This group started in 1998. Their main goal is to help protect the unique Melton Mowbray pork pie recipe.
Protecting Special Foods
In 1999, the association, which had seven local pie makers, asked the EU for something called "Protected Geographical Indication" (PGI). This special status helps make sure that only pies made in a specific area around Melton Mowbray can use the famous "Melton Mowbray" name. It's like giving a food a special badge of honor based on where it comes from.
A big food company called Northern Foods tried to stop this from happening. They wanted to keep using "Melton Mowbray" on their own pork pies. Northern Foods felt it was unfair. They even took the matter to the European Court of Justice, but they later dropped their appeal. The High Court also dismissed Northern Foods' challenge.
Finally, the PGI status was officially approved on April 4, 2008. It became active in July 2009.
Now, only pork pies that meet certain rules can be called "Melton Mowbray." These pies must be made without supporting hoops (they hold their shape on their own!) and cooked within a special area around the town. This area is about 10.8 square miles (28 square kilometers).
The pies must also follow strict ingredient rules:
- They must contain fresh pork (at least 30% meat).
- They use shortening (usually lard).
- They have pork gelatine or stock.
- Other ingredients include wheat flour, water, salt, and spices (mostly pepper).
- Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are not allowed.
Before the PGI rules started, a company called Pork Farms (which had taken over Northern Foods' pie business) moved its pie production. They moved it to Nottingham, which is inside the area where Melton Mowbray pies can be made under the new PGI rules.
Who Are the Members?
The members of the association believe it helps protect smaller pie makers.
Here are some of the current members:
- Mrs King's Pork Pies of Cotgrave
- F Bailey & Son of Upper Broughton
- Dickinson & Morris of Melton Mowbray
- Brocklebys of Melton Mowbray
- Mark Patrick Butchers of Birstall
- Walker & Son of Beaumont Leys
- Leesons Butchers of Oakham
- Nelsons Family Butchers of Stamford, Lincolnshire
- Dunkleys of Wellingborough
- Hartland Pies of Cotgrave
See also
