Tastes have changed over the years and some products once sold in high quantities such as pig trotters, pigs cheek and tripe have long gone from the displays, whilst other traditional foods such as black and white pudding and pease pudding have enjoyed something of a revival.

One item that remains unique to the Dicksons empire is the beech-smoked saveloy which can be eaten however you choose, but to enjoy the legendary Saveloy Dip it needs to be served hot in one of their fresh baps with pease pudding, sage and onion stuffing and a generous dollop of English mustard. Michael Dickson is confident that the 21st century will see a taste for this delicacy spreading further afield.

The Company’s retail activities and current 20 outlets cover much of the Tyne and Wear conurbation and Northumberland. Wholesaling activity is spread over a broader area with deliveries as far north as the border and south into Yorkshire.

Today the company is run by two of the founders three children: Michael and Christine Dickson and the next generation are making their mark with a key role of Marketing Manager being held by Elena Dickson, Michael's daughter.

This thriving business, is now one of the jewels in the Tyne and Wear crown and is considered one of the North East of England’s leading meat product companies, with 20 shops across the North East.

The current product ranges includes a broad range of savoury pastry products, all baked in store, freshly cooked meats, sausages, bacon, legendary pies, breads and a great selection of hot and cold ‘food on the go’.

Over the years, the rapid growth and success of the business saw the need for more production space and an ability to produce at a greater capacity. In 1981 all production was moved from the Fowler Street shop site to a factory on Rekendyke Industrial Estate.

This site proved too limiting by 1992 as demand rose, the production and head office was moved to a purpose built facility on Middlefields Industrial Estate in South Shields where they remain today which is still under expansion as the company goes from strength to strength.