Shepton Mallet Cider Mill Launches 2011 Green Apple Awards

Judges of the Shepton Mallet Cider Mill’s Green Apple Awards enjoy a pint of cider at Stewley Orchard in Somerset.  From left to right: Bob Chaplin, Liz Copas, Martin Ridler and Ben Thorne

Shepton Mallet Cider Mill is pleased to announce the launch of its highly regarded bi-annual Green Apple Awards for 2011/12.

Started in 2003, the Green Apple Awards recognise and reward the exceptional dedication and expertise shown by the 68 growers who produce apples for the Shepton Mallet Cider Mill, home of Blackthorn and Gaymers cider.

The growers are assessed on five specific criteria: Environmental Management, Tree Management, Tree Quality, Orchard Management and Crop Protection. Whilst the judges are looking for an effective balance between all these areas, the environmental aspect is a key part of the competition, whatever the size of orchard.  The Shepton Mallet Cider Mill’s own award winning orchard at Stewley, has become a benchmark for good environmental practice, benefiting the landscape, wildlife and ultimately the quality of the fruit that it produces.

The panel of judges bring a wealth of expertise to the competition. Liz Copas, a leading UK authority on pomology, will focus on the production aspect of the orchards; Ben Thorne from Somerset Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group will be looking at environment and habitat management.  Shepton Mallet Cider Mill’s Fruit & Orcharding Manager, Bob Chaplin, and Orcharding Controller, Martin Ridler, will be concentrating on how the orchard and trees are managed.

Bob commented: “we are proud to say that our growers are amongst the UK’s outstanding apple orchards, producing a wide variety of English apples of the very highest quality, in turn enabling us to produce top quality cider.  This award allows us to highlight and acknowledge just how hard they work for the cider industry.” 

Judging of the orchards will take place in mid July whilst the presentation evening will be held in September at the Cider House in Shepton Mallet.  A specially commissioned trophy will be awarded to the overall winner of the Green Apple Awards. The winner and runners up will all receive cash prizes along with the coveted Green Apple Awards wooden apple. 

ENDS

For further press information, please contact: 

Andrea Cowan

Murf Dog Ltd

Tel: 01458 833 347 / 07799 150 728

Emai:

Notes to editors:

The Shepton Mallet Cider Mill is the largest manufacturer of cider in the West Country.  Based in Somerset, the heart of cider country, its portfolio includes leading brands such as Blackthorn, Gaymers original and Gaymers pear, and specialist brands such as Addlestones, Gaymers Stewley & Newton Vale Single Orchard Ciders and Gaymers County Series Ciders. 

As a large South West based business, The Shepton Mallet Cider Mill is passionate about supporting community events such as Mendip in Bloom.  It also supports best practice for the industry, and coordinates the Green Apple Awards, an annual competition to encourage high quality orchard and environmental management.

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