| 11 Success no ‘pie in the sky’ The Napier-based company, which produces over one million pies monthly, has demonstrated remarkable adaptability in recent years. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Hawke’s Bay Business Awards - The Goodtime Pie Co The Goodtime Pie Co, one of New Zealand’s largest commercial pie manufacturers, was recognised for its resilience and excellence when named a finalist in these two categories at the 2024 Pan Pac Hawke’s Bay Business Awards. “We hadn’t intended to enter the awards, but someone nominated us, which gave us the nudge to enter. “We did it to give our team recognition for everything they have done to get us through all the challenges we’ve been experiencing,” says Eric Hill, group managing director and co-owner of The Goodtime Pie Co. The Napier-based company, which produces over one million pies monthly, has demonstrated remarkable adaptability in recent years. Challenges included the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, which resulted in the loss of 1.5 weeks of production and required generator power to recommence operations at its Napier facility. The Goodtime Pie Co has also shown particular resilience in managing industry-wide pressures, including national staff shortages and significant cost increases. At one point in 2023, the food price index rose by 12%, presenting considerable challenges in maintaining profitability while balancing customer pricing. In August, the company faced another setback when it discovered contaminated flour in its supply chain, leading to a massive product recall from its Napier bakery, resulting T T Karen Phelps in over $1m of finished stock needing to be dumped. While major competitors like Irvines Pies closed down and Maketu Pies went into liquidation, The Goodtime Pie Co managed to achieve 30% growth in the 2023-2024 financial year. “The most important thing in overcoming these challenges is our team,” says Eric. “We put a lot of time and effort into developing a positive culture. So, each time we have a challenge we work through it together and our team will do whatever it takes to get through.” As testament to the dedication of the team, recently The Goodtime Pie Co achieved the highest possible grade of AA+ in the global quality and food safety standard BRC, demonstrating its commitment to excellence in food safety and quality control. Eric says it’s an example of how the business operates with very high standards and a focus on innovation. This also extends to staff well-being, which has seen it implement a four-day work week at its Napier facility, plus investing in additional equipment to increase production speeds, helping it to keep up with huge demand. “We are working faster and smarter, not longer,” says Eric. The company’s journey began in 1978, building on three generations of baking expertise. From its humble beginnings, it has expanded to produce around 100 frozen pastry products, including an innovative range of vegan options. As an exclusive supplier to Z food and coffee sites across New Zealand, the company maintains high delivery standards, operating between 98-99% delivered in full, despite the numerous challenges faced by the industry. Looking ahead, the company is expanding its reach beyond its established markets. Already exporting to Singapore, Niue, and Vanuatu, The Goodtime Pie Co conducted market research trips to Australia in the second half of 2024 to explore further export opportunities. It has also partnered with Foodstuffs to grow its presence in even more hot cabinets across New Zealand. North Island South Island Find out more at simplyfoodsolutions.co.nz Proudly supplying high quality processed meat to Goodtime Pies.
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