The pies offer a longer shelf life than chilled ready meals, are hand-finished and can be modified to a client's requirements if needed according to the manufacturers.
“Retailers are starting to see the opportunity in having high quality frozen ready meals as an additional offering to chilled due to a variety of companies offering a great selection of premium products,” said Mark Dean, sales director at Classic Cuisine.
“We believe that consumers are coming round to the idea that it’s not all about the expensive chilled ready meals and that frozen ready meals do offer innovative, nutritious and restaurant-quality taste.”
The range of frozen pies includes beef and stout, hot potted pork and apple, chicken and mushroom and goat’s cheese and butternut squash.
Healthier declarations
Dean added: “Key Note have also just released their 12th edition of the Ready Meals Report which states that consumers are starting to realise the benefits of buying frozen over chilled and that longer shelf life, fresher tastes and healthier declarations are key factors.
“Classic Cuisine has been working in partnership with Mitchells and Butler's Vintage Inns brand for many years, over that time we have ensured that the products we provide adhere to their bespoke requirements. For example the fisherman’s pie has been a very popular meal on their menus and we have not only ensured sustainability of the fish used but continue to refine the recipe to their customers changing needs.
“Overall we have definitely seen a general increase in interest in frozen ready meals from a variety of sectors, for example we are working together with a client from the on-board travel sector to develop a Christmas product that will available from November.”
Northampton-based Classic Cuisine was originally set up in 1990 and has since grown to a 26,000 sq.ft factory. Further details on Classic Cuisine’s core product listing can be found on the website www.classiccuisine.co.uk. For more information on the bespoke range, call Classic Cuisine on 01604 644884.