Selling like hot ... pies

Phil Pollett. Photo / Hawkes Bay Today

Healthy Kiwi pies could soon be on the menu at 800 New York schools.

Hawke's Bay-based Goodtime Food Company is negotiating large orders from two US distributors and eyeing up markets in other countries.

A supplier for the New York schools is looking at taking a million pies a week, and a Missouri-based ex-pat New Zealander wants to put them in schools and service stations.

"The numbers are mind-boggling," said Goodtime managing director Phil Pollett.

The company already produces six million pies a year and supplies 500 Kiwi schools. But breaking into the US market would be another level.

"We'd probably make them in the States - but we'd send people over there to show them how and keep control of the secret recipe."

Pollett said his pies meet nutrition regulations in England and his firm would approach schools there soon. "Then we think, what about South Africa and Australia as well? It's pretty exciting."

Pollett has been in the business for 30 years and spent more than three developing a healthier recipe that qualifies for the Heart Foundation tick.

His products can still be sold in schools here, despite a ban on unhealthy options in tuck shops.

But he's angry pies get the blame for our obesity crisis. "All pies are not created equal."

New Zealand Nutrition Foundation director Sue Pollard said pies may be a Kiwi icon but are often high in fat and salt. She said an occasional pie is okay and recommended products with the Heart Foundation tick.