Pork pies from Melton Mowbray in EC status bid

Melton Mowbray pork pies may soon be given the same special status as Parma ham and champagne.

Melton Mowbray pork pies may soon be given the same special status as Parma ham and champagne.

Producers in the Leicestershire town have won government support to secure protection for their pies under European law. The granting of a Protected Geographical Indication from the EC would mean that only pies made in and around Melton Mowbray would have the right to carry the name.

The pies are made using fresh pork cut into chunks, rather than cured meat. They are enveloped in a hot-water pastry and then raised in the oven, which results in the distinctive dumpy shape.

More than three million pork pies are made in Melton Mowbray each year, while several million more carry the name but are produced outside the area.

Matthew O'Callaghan, chairman of the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association, said: "We are not against other people making pork pies - but don't call them Melton Mowbrays."