Alder Grange School bakes up a storm for Holland’s Pies

Alder Grange School in Rossendale enlisted the help of proper Lancashire baker, Holland’s Pies, who joined a panel of judges as part of its Enterprise Week, that saw the school’s Year 10 students pitch their very own pie companies.

The students were divided into teams of 5 to form their own pie companies and given one task: develop their very own flavour. Just like on The Apprentice, each group consisted of a Project Manager, Financial Advisor, Market Researcher and Package Designers, as well as social media and IT experts.

With three days to ‘pie-fect’ their presentation, each team set to work and began preparing their pitch for Leanne Holcroft, Brand Manager, and Geoff Hughes, Head of New Product Development, at Holland’s Pies, who were joined by Alder Grange’s own Head and Deputy Head Teachers, Mrs Griffiths and Mr Varley on the judge’s panel.

From Thai inspired pies to mixed berry and cherry bakewell pies, the judges assessed the student’s creativity, presentation skills, website, packaging design, and marketing campaign – not to mention the flavour concept.

However, there could only be one winner and the winning flavour was created by team Berrylicious for their range of cookies and cream pies, which come complete with a mouth-watering cookie dough lid, aimed at children. The successful students included Eromi Navaratnam, Jennifer Goater, Ruby Heap, Oscar Suin De Boutemard, Josh Williams and Dylan Chevreau, who not only received a certificate and goodies – but also the ultimate bragging rights!

From left Rosie Hesketh, Head of Year 10, Josh Williams, Jo Griffiths, Headteacher, Ruby Heap, Olivia Barnes, Jenny Goater, Eromi Navaratnam, Geoff Hughes, Head of New Product Development, and Leanne Holcroft, Brand Manager.  

Leanne Holcroft, Brand Manager at Holland’s Pies, said:

“It goes without saying that pie making is a serious business – especially in Lancashire – so it was great to see just how passionate the students were when they were creating their pies! We’d like to say well done to all the students, who certainly came up with some unique flavours, and congratulate Berrylicious on their win… I can’t say we’ve ever considered a cookie dough-topped pie at Holland’s before, but who knows – perhaps they are onto a winner?!”

Joanna Griffiths, Head Teacher at Alder Grange School, added:

“As soon as we told the kids that Holland’s would be on the judges panel, it’s fair to say they stepped up their game! Thanks again to Leanne, Geoff, and everyone at Holland’s for being such good sports – it was a great day for all.”