Co-op has launched ex-offender employment pie brand HMPasties in its first supermarket listing, debuting into almost 80 Co-op stores across the Manchester city region.

The Oldham-based bakery and social enterprise’s handmade pies and pasties, including the steak pie and cheese & onion pie, will now be available in selected Co-op stores, with proceeds supporting mentoring and skills development across the North West.

HMPasties was founded by Lee Wakeham, who set up the business after serving time in prison, to help reduce reoffending by providing training and employment for prison leavers.

Drawing on his own experience of the challenges faced when leaving custody, Wakeham said he launched the brand to give others “the second chance he was fortunate enough to find.”

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning

“This is a landmark moment for HMPasties,” said Wakeham. “As someone who has been to prison myself, I know how tough it is to get a second chance. Finding meaningful work is often the biggest hurdle, and without it, many fall back into the cycle of crime. Working with Co-op means more people can enjoy our products while helping us create life-changing opportunities for those ready to turn their lives around.”

The listing follows HMPasties’ involvement in Co-op’s Apiary Programme, which supports small, values-led suppliers through its Accelerator and Incubator schemes.

“We are delighted to work with HMPasties,” said Co-op community buying lead Kelly Orme. “Not only are the pies and pasties delicious, but they also support life-changing work, helping to make a difference and support rehabilitation by funding mentoring, skills development, and guidance to those determined to make positive changes to their lives.”

HMPasties also runs the HMPasties Foundation, providing training and support to help prison leavers move into long-term employment.