Olives Et Al is to open a third deli and bakery concept this month, with plans for more sites in high streets and department stores.

The Dorset-based company has launched two deli sites, Loaf & Larder, in a deal with Wyevale garden centres. It will open one more this month and has “potentially” another three in the pipeline. It will also look to open more with other partners.

This comes as the company this week launched its gluten-free pastry powder packs for home bakers, after purchasing a gluten-free pastry company nine months ago.

Simon Hurley, managing director of the business, said: “We don’t want to be pigeon-holed as an olive company.

“We entered a pie made with the new pastry mix into a general pie category in a competition and won. Paul Hollywood was judging and he couldn’t believe the pastry was gluten-free.”

He also said the company was talking to other firms regarding partnerships, with a view to extending the number of its retail shops, and was hoping to open in high streets and department stores.

He continued: “By the end of the year we are hoping to have eight to nine shops, depending on the partners we find.”

The company opened its first Loaf & Larder store in Cheddar Garden Centre in July last year. The shop prepares pies, quiches and breads fresh on the site. 

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