Slice of success for growing vegan pie startup with Fenwick distribution deal

A North East plant-based food business has secured a distribution deal in one of the region’s most prominent department stores following a period of growth.

Magpye, which specialises in vegan pies, will see its products stocked in department store Fenwick on Northumberland Street in Newcastle city centre from this Saturday (August 29).

Founded by husband and wife team Chris and Sarah Fryer, Magpie began as a food truck in 2019, serving a range of plant-based pies at food fairs and markets around Newcastle from a converted horse box.

The firm has developed six signature pies which use plant-based ingredients in a bid to create vegan-friendly comfort food, with pie flavours including ‘Vegan Steak & Ale’, ‘Chick’n, Leek & Bacun’, ‘Garlic Mushroom’, ‘Mince & Onion’, ‘Chick’n Balti’ and ‘Jerk Jackfruit’.

During the pandemic the company pivoted to offer a delivery service of pies across the region, and expanded into a new unit at Number 33 Business Centre in Benton in July in order to keep up with increased demand.

Founders Chris and Sarah commented: “We wanted to provide a sustainable plant based, alternative, luxurious comfort food inspired by traditional dishes many vegans loved whilst growing up.

“All of our products are palm oil free and our packaging is biodegradable, we try to source high quality, ethical ingredients from our co-operative wholesaler and local suppliers.”

“We were delighted to be asked to stock the deli counter at Fenwick with our pies, particularly as we both grew up in Newcastle, and we will be in store on Saturday for the launch.”