Continued Family Success at 40th Anniversary Golden Apple Awards :: Print Version

Continued Family Success at 40th Anniversary Golden Apple Awards

March 24 2009

Winners & Runners Up of The Golden Apple Awards. From Left: Carol Lewis; Farmer Parker (winner); Janet & John Parker (winner’s parents); Kate Parker; Edward Lewis (runner up).

There was a family theme to the winning orchards at this year’s Golden Apple Ceremony, the awards presented by Bulmers in celebration of Orcharding excellence.

The Golden Apple Awards Ceremony was held at Hopton Sollars Farm Stoke Lacy, home to the winners, Farmer and Kate Parker.

The runner up in the competition was Edward Lewis from The Haven, Dilwyn, Farmer Parker’s brother-in-law. This is a reverse of the 2004 Golden Apple Awards, in which the Lewis family took first place ahead of the Parkers!

This was the 40^th Anniversary of the Golden Apple Awards Ceremony, the prestigious biennial awards that the company have held since 1968, which highlight the importance that Bulmers places on sustainable practises and recognises and rewards growers who take the most care of the environment.

Alex Lowther, Bulmers Head of Manufacturing, took the opportunity to mention the enthusiasm Heineken, Bulmers new owners, have for cider. He also said that despite the world recession, Heineken have confidence in the continuing demand for fresh apples.

Bulmers have just completed the first year of a three year, 400,000 tree, planting programme, further reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to Herefordshire.

This year six classes looked at the best Young Bush and Standard Orchards, the best Mature Bush and Standard Orchards, The most Improved Orchard and the best Conservation Orchard. The award ceremony was attended by around 200 local growers, members of the Bulmer orcharding team and guests from the cider industry.