Pieminister saw sales increase by 28% to reach £8.3m, for the financial year to 31 March 2012, up from £6.5m in 2011.

Reported in the company’s accounts, recently published on Companies House, the Bristol pie firm achieved underlying profit before tax of £385k, up from £269k in 2011.

The firm put its growth down to increasing customer penetration, and the opening of new retail outlets, particularly in London. Pieminister said its expansion had not been limited to the UK, with its operations in Ireland performing well. It also opened its first outlet in Continental Europe, in Amsterdam, Holland.

The business, which manufactures, distributes and retails its pies through selected retailers, markets and festivals, also launched its first recipe book, called A pie for all seasons, during the financial year.

Going forwards the company said it would continue to develop its brand presence in both retail and foodservice sectors.

Pieminister’s earlier plans to relocate from Bristol to Llantrisant in Wales had to be scrapped due to "circumstances beyond its control", with the company incurring non-recurring costs, associated with the proposed move of £110k. It also made the decision to acquire the current facilites in Bristol, which led to further non-recurring costs of £341k.

Pieminister’s employee numbers rose from 103 to 153 over the year.