Founded in Stoke-on-Trent in 1926, Wrights supplies its savoury pastry and sweet bakery ranges into retail, foodservice and its own bakeries and forecourt outlets across the UK.
To mark its centenary year, Wrights – now part of The Compleat Food Group – is making a major investment as it targets continued growth. This includes refreshing retail shops and growing its store network across the UK. It will also be launching special edition products and delivering targeted marketing.
Wrights began 100 years ago, when John James (Jack) and Lizzie Wright began selling Meat & Potato Pies from their doorstep in Stoke-on-Trent during the Great Strike. Their first shop, outside of the original bakery, opened in 1929 and quickly became a local staple, famed for its pies, sausage rolls and pastries.
The brand grew to national prominence in the 1980s by pioneering frozen, unbaked savoury products, introducing the Bake-Off model and creating innovative recipes, including the iconic Chicken Balti Pie, now a favourite among football fans nationwide.
Acquired by The Compleat Food Group in 2021, Wrights now serves over 800 customers and offers more than 500 products across savoury and sweet bakery and ready meals. The brand, which employs over 600 people, has also extended its retail footprint beyond Staffordshire, opening eight new forecourt shops in the last two years, with more to come in 2026.
Wrights’ year-long programme of celebrations and initiatives will feature a Wrights Roadshow, with a branded van touring the UK to offer sampling experiences, while a commemorative centenary logo will be introduced across packaging, vehicle livery and retail outlets.
At the heart will be two new centenary products. The first is the Centenary Chicken & Leek Pie, created in collaboration with leading chef and Great British Menu star, Thom Bateman. The second is a Centenary Limited Edition Caramel Custard Slice, a take on Wrights’ iconic Vanilla Custard Slice. Both products are available later this year in Wrights’ retail shops and through wholesale.
Community engagement will also play a central role, with school roadshows and charity partnerships with Dougie Mac and Macmillan Cancer Support. Digital activations, including social media campaigns and a specially produced video, are set to further amplify the milestone.
For more information, visit compleatfood.com/brands/wrights.