Telford ham producer to boost workforce for record-breaking Christmas
A Telford business will boost its workforce as it works to meet the high demand for gammon and ham ahead of the festive period.
Royal Warrant artisan ham producer, DukesHill provides traditionally cured hams, free-range bronze turkeys and artisan fine foods.
To cope with demand, DukesHill says it will increase its workforce by 200 per cent over the coming months.
During the peak Christmas period between October and December, DukesHill plans to cure over 15,000 outdoor bred pork legs across a variety of products, including traditionally cured cooked and uncooked hams, bacon, slices of porchetta, ham hock and pork products.
Over 40,000 hams were sold during the festive season in 2022, which the luxury food producer is hoping to exceed this year.
It also expects to distribute 2,000 specially reared turkeys, tens of thousands of handmade mince pies and over 7,000 Christmas puddings.
Mark Gallagher, CEO of DukesHill, said: “The months running up to Christmas is the busiest time at DukesHill and right now our dedicated team is working hard to ensure there’s plenty of perfectly cured ham and sweet treats for our customers.
"Our Christmas brochures have landed, and we’ve already seen a 35 per cent increase in customers placing their Christmas orders earlier this year.”
Launching this Christmas, DukesHill forecast the star product to be its new Cranberry Glazed Ham with Pork & Cranberry Stuffing.
One of DukesHill’s farmers, Andrew Tomson from Peddars Pigs Ltd, plays a crucial role in helping meet the demand.
He said: “As a pig farmer of 45 years, our commitment is to ensure the wellbeing of every pig under our care.
"I firmly believe that raising healthy pigs on straw is about providing them with a life of comfort and respect in an environment where they thrive. This produces the best quality pork and we know these animals have lived the best life possible.”
