Protecting the rainforest is not a pie-in-the-sky idea
February 19, 2025
CHESTER ZOO AND PIEMINISTER: PROTECTING THE RAINFOREST, TOGETHER
We’re thrilled to announce that Pieminister has joined our movement to save the rainforest in Southeast Asia.
The pie specialist, whose pies are made in the UK and are available in supermarkets, delis and Pieminister restaurants across the country, has joined forces with Chester Zoo to drive a deforestation-free palm oil industry – by becoming our latest Sustainable Palm Oil Ambassador.
Known for their extensive commitments to sustainable sourcing, Pieminister wants to set the record straight on palm oil, helping to dispel common misconceptions surrounding the vegetable oil.
Unsustainable palm oil production has rightly taken a knock to its reputation, having been linked with deforestation, yet sustainably grown palm oil is one of the most efficient crops out there. It takes up less space and water than alternatives, making it less environmentally damaging than other vegetable oils, if it is farmed using the right methods.
The pie specialist, whose pies are made in the UK and are available in supermarkets, delis and Pieminister restaurants across the country, has joined forces with Chester Zoo to drive a deforestation-free palm oil industry – by becoming our latest Sustainable Palm Oil Ambassador.
Known for their extensive commitments to sustainable sourcing, Pieminister wants to set the record straight on palm oil, helping to dispel common misconceptions surrounding the vegetable oil.
Unsustainable palm oil production has rightly taken a knock to its reputation, having been linked with deforestation, yet sustainably grown palm oil is one of the most efficient crops out there. It takes up less space and water than alternatives, making it less environmentally damaging than other vegetable oils, if it is farmed using the right methods.
We know we can protect rainforests by supporting products made with deforestation-free sustainable palm oil, and these include Pieminister pies.
In sourcing 100% identity preserved palm oil, the highest level of certification, Pieminister demonstrate a clear understanding of the role sustainable palm oil can play in halting deforestation, protecting wildlife and improving local livelihoods.
Jeni Hunsley, Head of Sustainability at Pieminister, said: “In line with our sustainability goals, our ingredients must have as low a carbon impact as possible and be deforestation free. Having scrutinised all suitable fats, we firmly believe that identity preserved palm oil is the right choice for us.
“‘Identity preserved’ means we can trace every single gram of oil shipped from our producer’s century-old plantations in central America to our pie kitchens. By joining Chester Zoo’s Sustainable Palm Oil Community, we want to help consumers differentiate between truly sustainable certified palm oil like ours and the unsustainable alternatives – not just palm – that cause environmental damage.
“Currently, too many consumers believe that all palm oil is bad, and this just is not true.”
Putting the gravy on top, Pieminister will also be coming on board as a sustainable palm oil champion for the Oxford community, led by the Sumatran Orangutan Society, bringing the Oxford community one step closer to becoming a sustainable palm oil city!
Catherine Barton, Policy Lead at Chester Zoo, said: “Deforestation is a major environmental crisis and is now the second leading cause of climate change globally. Nearly 90% of deforestation is attributed to agricultural expansion, and a vast array of species and habitats are under threat due to unsustainable practices for products that we consume globally.
“The palm oil industry has recognised this and now, creating demand for deforestation-free sustainable palm oil is vital to ensure the sustainable palm oil industry becomes the norm and not a niche sector. We cannot thank Pieminister enough for the work they have done over the years to ensure that their palm oil is responsibly sourced, and we are delighted they have joined forces with us in this campaign to protect rainforests and species!”
Catherine Barton, Policy Lead at Chester Zoo, said: “Deforestation is a major environmental crisis and is now the second leading cause of climate change globally. Nearly 90% of deforestation is attributed to agricultural expansion, and a vast array of species and habitats are under threat due to unsustainable practices for products that we consume globally.
“The palm oil industry has recognised this and now, creating demand for deforestation-free sustainable palm oil is vital to ensure the sustainable palm oil industry becomes the norm and not a niche sector. We cannot thank Pieminister enough for the work they have done over the years to ensure that their palm oil is responsibly sourced, and we are delighted they have joined forces with us in this campaign to protect rainforests and species!”
Together we’re making a big difference for wildlife and are confident their new role will inspire other businesses to drive positive change.
If you think you could be our next ambassador please get in touch with Catherine Barton, Eleanor Evans, or spocity@chesterzoo.org.
If you think you could be our next ambassador please get in touch with Catherine Barton, Eleanor Evans, or spocity@chesterzoo.org.