In the first of our new blog series, Fodder on the Mooove, we go behind the scenes to explore the journey of some of our produce from field to fork.
Our first visit was to Sawley Kitchen in Copt Hewick, Ripon, where we saw how their small but mighty team creates award-winning shortbread and beautiful meringues.
Run by the Jaques family, Sawley Kitchen is an artisan Yorkshire bakery that was established in 2012 by husband and wife Nicky and Rob Jaques.
Although the business began with jams and chutneys, Nicky soon focused on her passion for baking, using vintage family recipes to perfect their exceptional range of shortbread.
Shortbread remains Sawley Kitchen’s most loved product, and it is still made entirely by hand. From weighing ingredients to marking, cutting and packaging, every step is carried out with great care and attention to detail. This hands-on approach helps maintain the high standards of quality the team is known for.
As Kirsty explained, “People love working here and stay for a long time. Everyone finds their niche and specialises in their own area, whether that’s crackers, meringues, shortbread, or packing.”
In 2017, the business grew further when son Dan joined the team. Sadly, this was followed by the loss of Rob, who passed away in March 2021 after battling cancer.
The Sawley Kitchen team also welcomed Kirsty, Dan’s wife, as their Marketing Manager. She helped bring the business online and build its presence across social media. Today, the core team is built of 12 individuals, but doubles to 24 in the busy run-up to Christmas.
Sawley Kitchen has supplied Fodder since the very beginning of their journey, with Fodder proudly being one of its very first wholesale customers.
“Fodder shares the same values and appreciation for the artisan nature of Sawley Kitchen. Their support for local businesses is something we’re proud to be part of.’’
You can find a wide range of Sawley Kitchen’s delicious shortbread, meringues and crackers in both the Fodder Shop and Kitchen, including our famous Giant Pavlova, that Sawley Kitchen make exclusively for Fodder customers.
Look out for the next Fodder on the Mooove blog, where we shine a light on another fantastic local business, The Kandlers Table.
