The pandemic pie peak has passed but we’re far from the demise of an Australian classic

Covid saw a huge increase in pie consumption as people sought ready-made meals from the supermarket. Photograph: Jenny Dettrick/Getty Images

One of Australia’s favourite foods, the meat pie, was reported to be an endangered species this past week, with headlines warning the “iconic” food was “dying out”, and reports citing falling sales. But reports of its death may be somewhat exaggerated.

While meat pie sales have dipped to their lowest levels since 2019, it could be a case of the nation recalibrating its pie-eating habits after Covid-19 lockdowns sent demand for frozen pies into overdrive.