Golden Apple Award Ceremony

Apple growers from Herefordshire and beyond celebrated Bulmers biennial Golden Apple Award ceremony on Thursday 12 May at Wootton Farm, Kings Pyon, home of the 2010 winners, J & D Bevan and Son.

Over 200 guests attended the event, incorporating a walk around the winning orchard, lunch and an address from Odin Goedhart, Heineken UK Head of Brewing Operations. In his speech, Mr Goedhart emphasised the prosperity and growth of the cider industry over the last 10 years, the importance of cider to Heineken and their continued investment in Herefordshire.

He said: “Heineken is 100% committed to Herefordshire.  We have invested significantly over the last 3 years, in the extra 1200 acres of orchards planted and through the acquisition of UBL, so that is has now become part of the Heineken family”. 

Speaking to the growers he added, “We have extremely long term and robust plans for cider which rely on your bittersweet apples, thanks to our leading brand, Strongbow; a cider that has never been more popular or more important to our business than it is now.”

Strongbow is the fifth biggest selling pint in the UK and is the second biggest Heineken UK brand, behind Fosters.

Winners, Michael and Emma Bevan were delighted to have claimed the prestigious Golden Apple Award for their mature bush orchard which was planted in 1996 and comprises of Dabinett and Michelin apple varieties.

ENDS

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