90 local life products, we offer a selection of carefully chosen side dishes: gherkins, onions and potatoes, jam and bread from the Taillens bakery are available to accompany our cheeses. It is important to note that our establishment is cash only. We do not accept card payments and we do not sell alcohol. However, we have taken into account the needs of our foreign customers by accepting euros at the ATM, making transactions easier. Since its installation at the end of 2015, our ATM has become a major asset for our farm. It has significantly improved our services, particularly during winter evenings. Previously, our opening hours didn’t allow skiers to enjoy our products after their late runs. Now, thanks to the vending machine, our customers can stock up at any time, even late at night. It has become a must for many customers, including summer revellers who come home late and are looking to buy cheese for an impromptu raclette. This convenience has been much appreciated and has contributed to the success of our farm. Since the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve had to adapt our sales model. Before, the majority of our sales were made directly at the farm, but with the health restrictions, we increased our deliveries to small local shops in the region, such as the Au Petit Chalet dairy, the Boucherie du Rawyl, Volg, Edelweiss, and Agrol. This change has been beneficial for our company, even if it has required additional organisation. The pandemic has changed consumer habits and created a growing demand for local products. Delivery has become essential to meet our customers’ needs, and we have been able to adapt quickly to this new reality. Our products can also be found in local restaurants such as Le Mayen, Le Cervin and Le Pas de l’Ours, as well as with the «Raclette on tour» company, which offers a home scraping service. Your farm has a long history. I imagine that your clientele must have changed. Can you tell me more about it? In the past, our clientele consisted mainly of older people, particularly pensioners. They were loyal and regular, buying whole cheeses in quantities of 5, 6 or 10 pieces, which they stored in their own cellars. They would then cut and distribute the cheese to their respective families. Over time, however, this clientele has gradually dwindled, and we have seen a significant drop in sales of whole cheeses. It became rare to see customers buying several pieces of cheese. It’s become rare to see customers buying several pieces of cheese. The trend has reversed, and now the majority of our sales are in the form of vacuum-packed portions of cheese. This development has led to changes in our sales work. We now have to prepare individual portions, which requires more time and precision in the cutting and packaging process. However, despite these changes, we havemanaged to attract a newcustomer base, particularly young people. We are encouraged to see that many young customers appreciate our products and are attached to the quality and tradition of local produce. This new generation plays an essential role in the long-term future of our business, providing a welcome dynamic and continuity. We appreciate our diverse customer base. Every customer is important to us, and we are determined to meet their expectations and offer superior quality products. We will continue to adapt to changes in the market and offer authentic products that reflect the richness of our Valais terroir.
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