THE season of goodwill saw a significant increase in contract packing case numbers for Redditch-based operator Oakland International.

In addition to its usual raft of contract packed products passing through the company’s warehouses, it handled more than 1 million packs of stuffing, party foods and desserts to satisfy the nation.

Among the selection were mini pizza selections, tortes, tipsy gateau, ham hocks, filo pastry and beef wellington.

Oakland International managing director, Dean Attwell, said: “The contract packing sector is continuing to demonstrate increased demand.”

He described the “next activity peaks on the horizon” as distributing pancakes for Shrove Tuesday and creamy deserts for Valentines before moving on to Easter.