Business Details
18 Years
experience
Artisan Fresh Blood Black Puddings in Wisbech
Established in 2008, Fruit Pig is the UK's last remaining craft producer of fresh blood black puddings. Founded by Matthew Cockin, a former RAF officer, and Grant Harper, a landscaper-turned-smallholder, we specialise in artisanal meat products using 98% British ingredients. Our commitment to authenticity began with a desire to revive traditional methods, leading us to pioneer the use of fresh blood in black pudding production. Over 15 years, we've grown from a niche butchery to supplying 300 outlets nationwide, supported by renowned chefs like Tom Aikens. Our bespoke facility since 2018 enables us to maintain rigorous quality standards, with both founders personally qualified in ethical slaughter practices.We prioritise sustainability, minimising food miles and environmental impact while delivering exceptional taste. Our products, including gluten-free options and charcuterie, are available through stockists, online orders, and wholesale channels. As stewards of rare breeds like Gloucester Old Spots, we combine heritage with innovation to offer farm-to-fork transparency. Our dedication to craftsmanship has earned recognition in the artisan food scene, preserving a fading tradition with modern relevance.
Services
Black Pudding
Haggis
White Pudding
Gluten Free Products
Brunch Slice
Charcuterie
Cold Smoked Bacon
Unsmoked Bacon
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We are the UK's only remaining fresh blood black pudding craft producer
- Our products use 98% British ingredients for minimal environmental impact
- Both founders are qualified slaughtermen ensuring ethical production standards
- Supplied by 300 stockists nationwide including prestigious service stations
- Pioneered revival of traditional fresh blood methods in modern meat production
What people say
Jolly delicious
Authentic taste
Sustainable practices
Heritage breed pork
Chef recommended
Services
Black Pudding
Our signature fresh blood black puddings use 98% British ingredients, combining traditional recipes with modern food safety standards. Each batch preserves authentic texture and flavour through fresh pig's blood sourced weekly from local abattoirs. Available in 300 UK stockists and through nationwide delivery, this heritage product offers exceptional culinary versatility for both home cooks and professional chefs.
Gluten Free Products
We offer certified gluten-free meat products including black puddings and charcuterie, maintaining strict cross-contamination controls during production. Our gluten-free range meets the same high standards for authenticity and sustainability as our regular products. Ideal for discerning customers seeking traditional British meat products without gluten-containing additives or processing aids.
Charcuterie
Our artisan charcuterie range includes cold smoked and unsmoked bacon cuts from heritage breed pigs. Each product follows traditional curing methods with natural ingredients, avoiding artificial preservatives. The collection features streaky, back, and collar bacon options alongside pancetta and pig's cheek bacon, all reflecting our commitment to ethical, small-scale meat production.
People
Matthew Cockin
Co-founder
Former RAF officer with 20 years' service, Matthew co-founded Fruit Pig in 2008. He transitioned from military aviation to artisan butchery, becoming a qualified slaughterman. His dedication to traditional methods drives the company's unique fresh blood production process.
Grant Harper
Co-founder
Landscape architect turned smallholder, Grant co-founded Fruit Pig after moving to Norfolk. With NVQ butchery qualifications and hands-on experience breeding rare pig breeds, he focuses on ethical animal husbandry and product development alongside Matthew.
Questions
Why use fresh blood instead of powder?
Fresh blood preserves traditional texture and flavour while supporting UK abattoirs. This method avoids processing associated with imported dried blood powder, maintaining our commitment to local ingredients and sustainability.
Are products available outside the UK?
Currently we focus on UK distribution through 300 stockists. Our environmental policy prioritises minimal food miles, though we occasionally ship small quantities internationally via special arrangement.
How should I store your products?
Keep refrigerated at 0-5°C. Fresh blood products last 7 days from delivery. Freeze on day of purchase for extended storage up to 3 months while maintaining quality.
Do you offer trade pricing?
Yes, chefs and retailers can order through REKKI platform or contact us directly. We provide competitive wholesale rates with delivery options tailored to commercial requirements.
What breeds do you use?
We primarily use Gloucester Old Spots and Oxford Sandy and Black pigs, both rare heritage breeds. These animals are reared on our Norfolk smallholding and from trusted local producers following ethical farming practices.
