A pie maker could be shedding almost 80 jobs, with staff blaming Jamie Oliver’s healthy eating revolution for the dip in demand for pasties and sausage rolls.
Apetito Ltd has confirmed its site in Peartree Lane Dudley could be closing with the loss of 77 jobs. Bosses said that the factory was making losses despite investment.
They are now considering a number of options to try to avoid redundancies.
The company, which has its head office in Wiltshire, has now entered into a 30-day consultation period.
Chief executive, Paul Freeston, said: “The company is in a very early stage of its consultation period. Clearly, we haven’t reached this position lightly and our immediate concern is for our loyal and hardworking workforce.
“Should closure prove to be unavoidable, we will look to redeploy as many people as possible within the business and work with them to identify employment opportunities across all areas of Apetito.
“We will also support anybody who is unable to find an alternative position within the company with training and assistance in finding a new position elsewhere.”
A letter from a worker who wished to remain anonymous said: “Staff are shocked by the sudden announcement. They feel the factory is an efficient, well-run site and can be profitable. Managers claim the factory is making a loss due to Jamie Oliver and healthy eating, they claim people are opting to eat healthier and there is a decline in the market for pies, pasties, sausage rolls and savoury products.
“A lot of the staff have long service and are now worried they will not be able to find another job.”
9 Comments
Don’t blame Jamie Oliver for healthy eating. You should be disgusted with yourselves for not promoting that too. Stop looking for someone to blame.
congratulations to James Oliver,, At last it worked with healthy eating. i am english myself so i know the damage to fedme (overweight.)
Cheers James,,god bless you from a english woman who appreciates you in norge
Why do we support these rich chefs who in reality don’t give a stuff about ordinary people trying to get by from day to day on the coal face.
Always look to blame someone else.
Ever thought of making healthier pies and pasties?? Surely there is a market for them.
What’s this - the Jamie Oliver fan club speaking ?
Everyone has to eat so there will always be a competitive market for food producers. Either move with the times or fall by the wayside.
the reason its sales are down is john hartsons left west brom
I love black country pies. And the people. When I get off the train from the south I notice two things we do not have in the south as much as you- you are fat and you smile x