The Wyre Pie Company – Behind the scenes
Let me take you back to 2012 and introduce you to Peter Edwards affectionately known as ‘Pete the Meat’ Pete a master butcher with over 48 years’ experience, and a keen game shooter. When faced with ill health he was unable to continue with his full-time butchery role. It is around this time that he started making pies & pastry products for his family and friends particularly during the Game season. Pete’s partner Debi was standing right by his side and supported his idea and continues to be an integral part of the business. A busy lady with many different hats!
And so, The Wyre Pie Company was born at first from converted garden sheds in the garden, in 2014 following approval from the Environmental Authority to trade commercially the orders were coming steadily, and now Pete the Meat who was, is now Pete the Pie Man!
So, the word was out and in turn the orders kept coming and new business from further afield too, Pete and his team realised they had to bite the bullet and look for new premises to cope with demand. Like any business decision it was fraught with what ifs and maybes.
A new home for Wyre Pie was found in Tenbury Wells in 2017. A far larger operation was developing and in 2019 a key team member was recruited Rafael Savela (Raf) as our Production Manager. Raf from Brazil and previously a manager of one of the largest Corned Beef companies in Brazil. His focus on quality food for our customers has become a key element to our ethos.
As we know in life it’s all about timing and good things are delivered in a timely manner. In 2019 Barry Gordon a stalwart of Tenbury with a career as a butcher for over 3 decades with Bowketts came aboard bringing his warmth, smile and helped gain the trust of locals. Investing in local and our community was at the forefront their hearts and minds. From Shed to shop front, they opened the Butchery looking after those first visitors to their garden shed and welcoming many new customers to the shop.
Always moving forward, they now employ many staff, they see themselves very much as a TEAM and it is this togetherness which has in no doubt brought them all significant success as a company in the following competitions.
Ludlow food festival 2019- Runner Up Sausage Trail
Eat Game Awards 2021 (held in 2022) – National Champion – Value Added Product Category
Ludlow Food Festival 22- Runner up- Pie Trail
Eat Game Awards 2023 – National Runner Up – Value Added Product Category
Golden Clever Awards 2023 – 3 Star Gold Awards for our Traditional Sausage
Countryside Alliance Awards 2023 – Regional Finalist – Butcher Category
******** And some BREAKING NEWS to be announced on 1st August ********
Many of these award schemes have included a level of public scrutiny and voting prior to any professional involvement. They are so proud and grateful to all of you who took the time to vote for them.
You will notice as both Lauren and I did on our grand tour and behind the scenes meeting into The Wyre Pie Company that their emphasis on TEAM runs deep within the business and into our community too!
During the floods they provided the volunteers and emergency services with food. They continue to support charities and many events around the town. Working closely with local schools and attending Careers events and taster days during the Game season.
As they hit the ground running at the start 2023, they implemented a new digital system which includes itemised billing and product tracing & compliance with legislation such as Natasha’s Law for labelling. Alongside this they are reviewing their environmental responsibilities and impact regarding packaging. Now they have new packaging for most of the butchery products. They understand as a company that this has a cost attached, but they recognise that balancing the environmental impact and lawful obligations for product protection and packaging, is without doubt what they as a responsible organisation are delivering.
“If it’s not good enough for our family, it’s not good enough for yours!” their ‘Motto’.
The Wyre Pie Butchery
The cost-of-living crisis and impact has hit customers and friends alike. They worked quickly to review purchasing and increased their value – added product range. During the Game season they will of course make use of what is on offer because it is high quality, affordable and above all healthy.
They are dedicated to our community who have supported them along their journey and want to champion the use of Game as an everyday option for all families.
Have you been to see The Wyre Pie Company? Do you know where they are?
With free parking, quality produce and super helpful and kind staff
Find them:-
Unit 6, Clarke’s meadow, Bromyard Road, Tenbury Wells Business Park, WR15 8FA, Tenbury Wells.
01584 811196
If you want to see the TEAM Wyre Pie in person and in action, get yourself down to
Tenbury Countryside Show on Saturday 5th August where you’ll find them in fine form on their stand.