Beloved Bakery and Matchday Pie Supplier Enters Insolvency Proceedings
In a significant development in the food service industry, Piglets Pantry, well-known for supplying matchday pies, has entered insolvency proceedings. This announcement was made by Portsmouth Football Club on February 5th, raising concerns about the bakery’s future operations.
Piglets Pantry Faces Insolvency
Piglets Pantry, based in Worthing, Sussex, has reportedly appointed insolvency practitioners. The bakery has been a key supplier of matchday pies not only at Portsmouth’s Fratton Park but also at Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium. As of now, the company has not responded to requests for comments regarding its financial troubles.
Portsmouth FC’s Response
- Portsmouth FC expressed deep concern over the situation.
- The club has reached out to Piglets Pantry employees, inviting them to work at Fratton Park.
- Portsmouth FC is in ongoing discussions with the insolvency practitioners for urgent resolutions.
The club stated, “We have already invited all Piglet’s Pantry staff to work with us at Fratton Park,” and noted a significant interest from those employees in this opportunity. The management emphasized its commitment to assist those affected by the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Piglets Pantry.
History of Piglets Pantry
Founded in 2011, Piglets Pantry began its journey by catering to Brighton & Hove Albion, winning the opportunity to operate a cafe at the Amex Stadium after competing against over 100 candidates. Joanna Hunter, one of the founders, recognized a business opportunity while purchasing a season ticket for her son.
As part of their initial contract, Piglets Pantry committed to hand-crafting 2,500 pies for each game. Remarkably, all the pies were sold out within 15 minutes at their first match.
Expanding Reach
Beyond its partnership with Brighton, Piglets Pantry has extended its service to other prominent football clubs, including:
- Chelsea
- Leicester City
- Swansea
The company’s products have also featured at notable events, including Wimbledon, establishing a solid reputation in the catering industry.
As Piglets Pantry navigates these challenging times, the support from organizations like Portsmouth FC signifies a collaborative effort to mitigate the impact on employees and the community. The situation remains a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses within the sports and hospitality sectors.
