Company: Pork Farms
Rsp: £1.49 for four
Competition: Melton Mowbray, Dickinson & Morris Pork Pie


The consumer
The pie tasted okay and the pickle was a welcome addition, but I was dubious of the quality of the meat contained within. The pickle was layered on top of the pie, which I think is a mistake - surely anyone with a pie, a knife and a jar of pickle at home could knock up their own version. The packaging was good and held the pies securely. All in all, this is a moderately successful if somewhat unnecessary take on the classic pork pie. Three stars (out of five)
John Hawes, podiatrist, Brighton


The retailer
Although I found the pastry to be a little too tough, the overall product was very tasty. The addition of Branston pickle on the top of the pork pie works well and succeeds in making the product more interesting in flavour and texture. Despite the pastry, this NPD will make for a good snack when on the go. Four stars
Priya Pattni, Spar fresh trading manager


The Grocer
I expected to find the Branston pickle topping too sweet and was prepared to scrape it off and replace it with a dollop of mustard. However, because the layer was thin, the pickle didn’t dominate the overall flavour of the pie (although it didn’t mix too happily with accompanying mustard).

I think this collaboration between Pork Farms and Premier Foods-owned Branston should be applauded for bringing some innovation to the usually monotonous savoury pies and pastries fixture. At less than 40p per pie, this is a good value and a substantial summer picnic option. Three stars
Alex Beckett, products editor

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