The postponement of the Arsenal game at the Amex and other sports events had left Piglets with more than 10,000 products in their warehouse and facing an uncertain period in the coming weeks and months due to the coronavirus crisis.
Close to 2500 have been sold so far this weekend, snapped up by loyal Albion fans heading down to their Worthing production unit on Saturday, or ordering by email — but the company still has around 9000 products to sell.
Owner Joanna Hunter has diversified to begin supplying deliveries of their award-winning products using special ‘survival packs’ — which could come as a welcome relief to some, especially if isolated to their homes.
She said, “We are working to get an online ordering page on our website, but we have already sold 2400 products to personal callers and those ordering by social media or email.
“It’s all hands to the pump, but we are absolutely thrilled by the support we have had from our regular customers amongst the Albion fan base, who missed their usual pie with today’s game being postponed.
“We have around 9000 pies and sausage rolls available from our usual flavours, and the best way for fans to order them is by email, that’s the most helpful way to us at this stage.”
Whilst most people are panic buying toilet rolls, I've made sure to stock up the main essential, @pigletspantry1 Pies and Sausage Rolls, 100 to be exact, think that'll see me through to the next #BHAFC game on the 4th April. #pieclub #oinkvip #thislittlepiggie pic.twitter.com/ouxG2VGR4o
— Christian Corder (@ChristianCorder) March 14, 2020
It was love at first bite for Albion fans after Piglets pies became the club’s official pie supplier when the American Express Community Stadium opened in 2011.
Since then the business has gone from strength to strength, and now provides pies and other products to a number of football stadia across the UK, at the All England Lawn Tennis Club during Wimbledon and at the home of England rugby, Twickenham.
Hunter is also planning to continue making and selling products via their website to help her business survive during the current coronavirus crisis.
“We hope to have online ordering available via our website and we are working hard to keep the business running until sports are able to resume — by sending our pies to our customers around the UK, who would usually buy at their local club.
“We have a challenge ahead with various overheads to meet, but we have a plan in place and we hope we can generate enough business to keep our workforce employed and working.”
Thank you for your support, we have taken delivery of our first survival boxes just need to test. #online #piglets #sos really soon! 🐷🐽💕 pic.twitter.com/eSFW9edbHa
— Piglets Pantry HQ (@pigletspantry1) March 14, 2020
She has seen her business grow from a small pantry in Shoreham, from where she won the club’s pie contract — amidst fierce competition which included a taste test by club directors — and through her expanded operation has been keeping fans fulfilled ever since.
A total of 2500 sold out within 15 minutes of opening at the first game at the Amex; and numbers quickly grew to 5000, and now the club places a regular order for somewhere between 8000 and 10,000 pies for each Premier League match.
Hunter and Piglets have won a staggering 32 different awards for its products, including tickling the tastebuds of Paul Hollywood, Mary Berry and Chris Evans to win the best Chicken, Gammon and Leek pie.
To order, visit pigletspantry.co.uk to view their product and email an inquiry or order to sales@pigletspantry.co.uk.