From humble beginning as a small pizza base manufacturer, this family-run bakery has grown into a beloved Cornish treasure, delighting locals and visitors alike with their delicious creations.
Read on to dive into the story behind one of Cornwall’s most iconic bakeries…
Crafting Classics
Since 1978, Prima has been at the very heart of Cornish baking.
Started by the Buist family as a pizza base manufacturer, it quickly became the renowned bakery it is today. Now, Ross Buist, the third generation, ensures every product is packed with the quality and flavour that Prima is famous for.
From a small family operation to the fourth-largest producer of Cornish Pasties in the world, Prima’s journey is all about passion for their craft.
Their team of skilled bakers whips up a variety of goodies daily, from traditional Cornish Pasties to beloved local treats like Saffron Cake and Hevva Buns, using recipes passed down through generations.
Award Winners
Prima has consistently shone at the World Pasty Championships, landing in the Top 3 multiple times, and grabbing Gold in 2015.
Their excellence was also recognized when they were named SME Business of the Year in 2021 and runner-up for Large Manufacturer of the Year in 2024.
Community
Nestled in the heart of Redruth, Prima now serves their local community through their busy on-site shop and extensive wholesale services across Cornwall.
Their partnership with The Cornish Hamper Store allows their delicious products to reach customers throughout the UK, bringing a taste of Cornwall to all corners of the country.
Protecting the Pasty
As proud board members of the Cornish Pasty Association (CPA), Prima helps preserve the true Cornish pasty.
They actively participate in Cornish Pasty Week every February, celebrating this iconic dish and raising funds for local schools’ cooking activities. Prima staff even teach kids how to make traditional pasties!
Fun Facts!
In 2023 alone, Prima whipped up over 250 different product lines, including 1.5 million pasties, 553,000 scones, 220,000 Saffron Buns, and 100,000 Hevva Buns!
With 90 dedicated staff working 120,000 hours and using 250 tons of flour, they served over 90,000 happy customers in their on-site bakery shop.
Fancy a taste of Prima’s at home? Check out their full Pasties by Post range here.