The new range would be named Fergesons Scottish Pies, and would become an own-label brand for Lidl, the retailer confirmed on October 28.
Bells Food Group, based in Shotts, Lanarkshire, said it would produce nine different varieties of pie under the Fergesons Scottish Pies brand. These include steak pies, scotch pies and venison and red wine gravy pies.
“We produce more than 30M pies every year from our production base in Shotts,” said Bells Food Group sales & marketing director Gordon Smith. “Bells Food Group is pleased that Lidl has chosen us as its principal supplier for this range.
‘Great tasting quality pies’
“With an 85-year history and generations of food expertise, Bells looks forward to serving the Lidl consumer with a range of great tasting quality pies.”
The pastry maker had been supplying Lidl for a number of years. The retailer said the deal demonstrates its commitment to sourcing from local suppliers, and “forms a key part of its strategy to develop its range of Scottish-sourced products”.
Lidl head of buying in Scotland Paul McQuade said: “Bells Food Group has supplied Lidl for many years now, and we have worked closely together over the last few months to create the Fergesons Scottish Pies range that we hope our customers really enjoy.
“Lidl is committed to supporting Scottish producers to continue to give our customers the best quality Scottish food at the best possible prices.”
£3.6M investment
The latest deal with Lidl came two months after Bells Food Group completed the first phase of a £3.6M investment into its Shotts factory. The investment doubled its pastry production capacity, extending its overall capacity to 140t, and created an extra 25 jobs.
Bells Food Group md Ronnie Mills told Food Manufacture that it was the leading pie maker in Scotland, and planned to grow in England.
“We are always rolling out new products – including 30 new pastries, pies and cakes last month alone.
“We have a range of food manufacturing businesses on our radar that we would like to work with, supplying pastry for sweet and savoury pies, and en-croute products – and having the capability to alter our pastry products to suit.”
Bells Food Group deal with Lidl – at a glance
- Seven-figure deal to supply Lidl with own-brand pies
- Brand known as Fergesons Scottish Pies
- Include scotch, steak and venison pies