Division 5.2 Specificity of the product

Melton Mowbray Pork Pies have a bow walled pastry case giving them their characteristic bow shape. The pastry is golden brown in colour with a rich texture. The pork used in the filling is uncured and when baked the pork becomes grey in colour — similar to the colour of roast pork. The texture of the filling is moist and particulate. As per the EU definition of meat, the meat content of the whole product must be at least 30 %. Between the filling and the pastry wall is a layer of jelly.

In flavour, the pastry has a rich, baked taste while the filling is full of meaty flavour and seasoned in particular with pepper. The pies must be free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.

Melton Mowbray Pork Pies are clearly distinct from other pork pies in their packaging, design and marketing at point of sale. They carry a price premium compared to other pork pies on the market place of 10-15 % because they have a specific reputation that sets them apart as different and worth paying for. The Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association was set up in 1998 to bring together all the producers in the designated area with the aim of ensuring the protection of the authentic Melton Mowbray Pork Pie and of raising awareness about the origin of the product.