WHO WE ARE
Over 45 years in the making...
First, there was Grandad …
… over 45 years ago Alan Winzer started the family business you know today as Aune Valley Meat Ltd. There have been a few twists and turns and relocations along the way, but farming and butchery have always been at the heart of it – and it has always been a family business.
45 years, 3 generations, 1 family
And even back then, Grandad understood the need to diversify to secure the future. Whilst farming still remains very firmly rooted within the Winzer family DNA his belief that you cannot stand still (or you go backwards!) pushed him to create and seize opportunities to add extra elements to the family business utilising one of the original farm buildings at Rake Farm Loddiswell.
Here he plied his knowledge, both on their own animals and for other local farmers. Together they formed a Farmers Co-operative and supplied meat to Aune Valley Livestock, thereby achieving economies of scale and ensuring they remained competitive.
Before long Grandad had bought Aune Valley Livestock complete with the adjacent farms and Quarry – and thus began ‘life’ at the site where they remain today.
Sadly, Grandad passed away some 21 years ago but not before he had built the existing Butchers shop and laid down the solid foundations for the thriving business we now know.
Thankfully, son Richard, together with his wife Susie, had been more than willing to pick up the reins and take Aune Valley Meat into the future. They were both heavily involved in all aspects of the business – extending the shop building and the range of products sold beyond just Butchery; creating the adjoining Valley View Cafe (all the scrumptious cakes, in the Cafe’s early days were lovingly made by Susie!).
They believe, just as Grandad had, in investing for the next generation: their three children, Amy, Emily and Richard all of whom now manage the business on a daily basis Mum and Dad are still very much part of the operation, with ‘board meetings’ around the table in the farmhouse kitchen!
Just as the generation before had done, Dad Richard has passed on his butchery & farming skills to his son who now shares his time between that and the family farm where he breeds and raises their own sheep and buys in weaned calves to bring on from local farmers. That way Richard can be certain that they are only ever offering the finest quality meat to their customers – bred well and butchered well, the Winzer way.
To find out more about their livestock; high standards of welfare and Richard’s low intervention farming methods (“contented animals give the tenderest meat!”).
Susie is now enjoying quieter times, growing flowers back home on the family farm. The flowers can be found in both shops when in season.
Emily has been part of Aune valley joining some 15 years ago, she is the Senior Manager ensuring what is now a very considerable operation runs smoothly – with some 40 employees relying upon them plus the local farmers, growers and producers who supply them, Aune Valley is now a major force for good food within the area.
The Farm Shop and Deli alone is a significant business in its own right, firmly established as a foodie’s treasure trove of the very best local artisan products, many of them award winning as nothing gets stocked unless it meets the Winzers’ seal of approval. Discover the delights of what is often described as Devon’s food heaven here.
Amy’s area of focus is the Valley View Café having spent all her working life since the age of 14 in hospitality which never seems to stop growing, such is its popularity! Needless to say, with head chef Ross at the helm the food is exceptional with such an abundance of the finest ingredients literally next door.
Constantly adding activities for children and families to enjoy; offering a take-away option on selected evenings; creating delicious treat boxes for special occasions; events from Film Nights to Wildflower Meadows … and much more including their events trailer ‘Aune Valley on the road’ so you can enjoy that fabulous Aune Valley experience at local regattas, rallies, and fairs. You could even hire one for your own private event – how yummy would that be? Check out all the foodie options here.
Emily, Richard and Amy are determined to continue to grow and develop the family business so that they, in turn, can pass it on to the next generation just as their parents have done.
“We want Mum and Dad to be proud of what we do with the family business, just as Granddad was proud of what they did.”
His legacy is in very safe hands.
