Our Story
FROM ITALIAN ROOTS
TO CORNISH INNOVATION
For Nik Butcher, our Founder and Managing Director, olive oil is more than a product - it’s a legacy.
You could say olive oil runs in my veins. For generations, my family farmed olives and pressed oils in the picturesque area near Vallerotonda, Italy. Though my ancestors left this behind when they emigrated to England in the 1930s, the dream of creating exceptional olive oil never left me. Settling in Cornwall five years ago, I felt the time and place were finally right to revive this family tradition.
Cornwall’s unique coastal climate offers the perfect environment for cultivating olives, and we’re thrilled to create premium olive oils that reflect the spirit of this region. With innovative plans for harvesting and expansion, ValleRuan is more than a business — it’s a way to enrich the local economy, nurture community connections, and celebrate the beauty of the Roseland Peninsula, the place I proudly call home.
Nik Butcher
For thousands of years, olives have been cultivated for their incredible versatility, from beauty rituals to culinary delights. Today, olive oil stands as a symbol of quality and craftsmanship, and ValleRuan is proud to bring this tradition to the heart of Cornwall.
You could say olive oil runs in my veins. For generations, my family farmed olives and pressed oils in the picturesque area near Vallerotonda, Italy. Though my ancestors left this behind when they emigrated to England in the 1930s, the dream of creating exceptional olive oil never left me. Settling in Cornwall five years ago, I felt the time and place were finally right to revive this family tradition.
Cornwall’s unique coastal climate offers the perfect environment for cultivating olives, and we’re thrilled to create premium olive oils that reflect the spirit of this region. With innovative plans for harvesting and expansion, ValleRuan is more than a business — it’s a way to enrich the local economy, nurture community connections, and celebrate the beauty of the Roseland Peninsula, the place I proudly call home.
Nik Butcher
For Nik Butcher, our Founder and Managing Director, olive oil is more than a product - it’s a legacy.
For Nik Butcher, our Founder and Managing Director, olive oil is more than a product - it’s a legacy.
You could say olive oil runs in my veins. For generations, my family farmed olives and pressed oils in the picturesque area near Vallerotonda, Italy. Though my ancestors left this behind when they emigrated to England in the 1930s, the dream of creating exceptional olive oil never left me. Settling in Cornwall five years ago, I felt the time and place were finally right to revive this family tradition.
Cornwall’s unique coastal climate offers the perfect environment for cultivating olives, and we’re thrilled to create premium olive oils that reflect the spirit of this region. With innovative plans for harvesting and expansion, ValleRuan is more than a business — it’s a way to enrich the local economy, nurture community connections, and celebrate the beauty of the Roseland Peninsula, the place I proudly call home.
Nik Butcher
Rewriting the Future of Olive Oil Production
Founded in early 2024, ValleRuan Olive Oil Company Ltd is rewriting the future of olive oil production in the UK.
Our journey began with two proof-of-concept sites on the Roseland Peninsula. At The Old Chapel in Ruan High Lanes and Manor Farm in Bohortha, we’ve shown that olive trees don’t just survive Cornwall’s saltwater climate - they thrive.
In just one year, these trees have borne a strong crop, ripening steadily to maturity.
With our pressing room ready, we’re set to produce our very first batch of premium olive oil this November - a true milestone in British agriculture.
Join us as we cultivate a new chapter in olive oil history, one rooted in tradition, innovation, and the inspiring landscapes of Cornwall.
Turning Untapped Land Into Opportunity
At ValleRuan, we believe in creating opportunities from things often overlooked. Many farms have pockets of land that aren’t grazed by livestock or used for arable crops. Our mission is to give this “redundant” land a new purpose - planting olive groves that benefit both the farmers and our vision for premium olive oil production.
By leasing this land (following soil tests to confirm its suitability), we offer local farmers an additional income stream while maximising the economic potential of their land. This approach keeps our costs sustainable and fosters a partnership that benefits the community.
This model has already proven successful at our two test sites, where a local farmer and landowner have joined forces with us. The results speak for themselves: underutilised land is now thriving, offering them a steady income and giving us the perfect environment to grow our olives.
By engaging farmers in the process, we’re not just planting trees - we’re planting the seeds of collaboration, growth, and a brighter future for Cornwall.
The Old Chapel
Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Roseland Peninsula, The Old Chapel is a haven of peace and natural beauty. Surrounded by rolling green pastures and just a stone’s throw from the rugged Cornish coastline, this charming retreat offers a unique blend of history and tranquillity.
Once a place of worship, the lovingly restored chapel now invites visitors to reconnect with nature and savour life’s simple pleasures. Whether strolling through wildflower meadows, basking in the glow of a coastal sunset, or revelling in the sound of birdsong, The Old Chapel is a sanctuary for the soul, where time seems to stand still.
Manor Farm
Tucked away in the picturesque Roseland Peninsula, Manor Farm is a true gem of Cornwall’s countryside. Steeped in history and surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty, this idyllic haven captures the essence of rural charm. Rolling fields, ancient woodlands, and the gentle hum of wildlife create a serene atmosphere that soothes the spirit.
Whether you’re exploring the nearby coastal paths, savouring fresh, local produce, or simply unwinding amidst the timeless beauty of the landscape, Manor Farm offers an enchanting escape where the pace of life slows, and every moment feels like a breath of fresh air.