Sep 22, 2025
Devon-based Sandford Orchards has just installed 8 new 50,000 litre tanks ahead of a bumper harvest expected to be up to a third bigger than normal. They plan to increase production of their core ciders and create new varieties from this year’s exceptional apple haul.
Barny Butterfield, owner of award-winning Sandford Orchards comments: “Anyone with fruit trees in their garden is likely to be experiencing a record crop this year and we are no different. A mild spring and the sunniest summer for some time has left our trees groaning under the weight of fruit, and we’re looking forward to a harvest around a third bigger than last year. That’s around 4,000 tonnes of apples! In fact, it looks set to be the biggest harvest I have experienced in my lifetime as a cider maker!”
He continues: “ The very un-British weather has also meant that the apples are ripening ahead of schedule and were already beginning to drop in late August, so it’s all happening a lot earlier than normal. We don’t usually start harvesting our apples until early October but this year looks set to be different. All our fruit comes from local orchards so we are able to make regular checks on them to identify the optimum moment to harvest. Our inspections throughout the summer have already indicated that this year is set to be an epic harvest and in anticipation of that we have invested in eight new tanks which will increase our capacity by 400,000 litres.”
He finishes: “The extra hours of sunshine that the apples have enjoyed this year should also have boosted sugar levels, which means this could be the sweetest and largest harvest on record for us. With our newly increased capacity and these fantastic raw ingredients, we will be pressing 6 days a week from 5am until 9pm to produce more bottles of our much-loved ciders for next summer’s cider drinking. We will be pressing at least 70 different varieties and, amongst them, there are going to be a lot more of the rare apples that we have been identifying in our DNA mapping project. So we’ll be able to do some really interesting small batch blends with them too!”
Sandford Orchards takes a fresh, natural and low impact approach to producing cider. Combining tradition and innovation, Sandford Orchards produces an award-winning range of core session, traditional, fine and fruit ciders.
For further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on X, Facebook and Instagram.
Sep 10, 2025
Devon-based Sandford Orchards’ Red Zero has just won gold and been named Best Non-Alcoholic Cider at the World Cider Awards, less than a year after it was launched. This latest achievement follows gold awards from Taste of the West and The Farm Shop and Deli Awards, with undoubtedly more to come.
Barny Butterfield, founder of Sandford Orchards comments: “We took our time creating Red Zero because we like to do things properly at Sandford Orchards. It was not the first non-alcoholic cider to market but we like to think that it is one of the best and it seems that the experts agree. Winning Best Non-Alcoholic Cider at the World Cider Awards recognises all the hard work and effort we put into making Red Zero and puts it firmly on the global cider map as the best in the world!”
Red Zero (ABV 0.5%) is an utterly delicious, crisp and fruity non-alcoholic cider created from fabulous apple varieties including Farmers Glory, Dabinett and Sweet Alford. Created using traditional cider methods and the same technology used for Guinness Zero, you’re drinking the real fermented drink with the alcohol extracted.
Barny continues: “We chose to make Red Zero in the most expensive way because we weren’t prepared to compromise on quality and the result is on another level. In its short life, Red Zero has already won rave reviews from our customers but this accolade is the icing on the cake and a testament to our team’s efforts. I am really proud of how hard they’ve worked to produce a cider with the same attention to detail as our flagship Devon Red. Red Zero tastes so good that most people can not believe it is not alcoholic- we call it alcohol-free cider, done right.”
Founded in 2002, independent, family-owned Sandford Orchards is based in Crediton, Mid Devon in the oldest working cider mill in the UK. The area has long been known as one of the most fertile parishes in all of Britain, both for its grazing and ability to grow apples. Crediton sits in the lee of the moors, so receives the right amount of rain and the right units of heat in summer.
Sandford Orchards takes a fresh, natural and low impact approach to producing cider. Combining tradition and innovation, Sandford Orchards produces an award-winning range of core session, traditional, fine and fruit ciders.
The World Cider Awards celebrate the best ciders from across the globe. For more information visit www.worldciderawards.com.
For further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on X, Facebook and Instagram.
Aug 28, 2025
As August draws to a close, a familiar rhythm returns to the orchards of Herefordshire, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Kent and beyond at the start of the cider apple harvest. And with it, a chance to pause and raise a glass to the people and places that make British cider one of the country’s proudest rural traditions.
Across hills and valleys, rows of apple trees are heavy with fruit. Growers speak of a promising year of trees laden with apples, the quiet reward for months of care and decades of experience. For the 300 or more families who grow cider apples under long-term contract, this is not just a crop; it’s a way of life, a partnership passed down through generations.
The scale is remarkable. With around 15,000 acres of cider apple orchards more than the size of Oxford, nearly half the area of Bristol, or the equivalent of 11,000 football pitches, cider orchards are as much a part of the British landscape as hedgerows and harvest moons. These trees anchor biodiversity, sustain rural jobs, and frame a drink that is as deeply rooted in the land as the apples themselves.
Behind every glass of cider are great teams working together: growing apples, tending orchards and making ciders we’re proud of. Every glass also supports around 65,000 jobs across the UK, hundreds of farming families, and a proud heritage of orchard skills passed down for generations.
“The harvest is a special moment, a time to reflect on all that goes into a drink with real character and connection,” said David Sheppy, Chair of the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM). “British cider is more than a drink. It’s orchards, farmers, makers, communities and thousands of livelihoods.”
This year, the warm weather through spring and summer has delivered apples full of rich flavours and natural sweetness, perfect for cider making. It’s a timely reminder that cider is not only a drink with history, but one with a future worth celebrating. The UK remains the world’s largest cider market, with over 450 cider makers across the country producing from orchard to glass, and more than 700 million litres enjoyed every year.
This autumn, cider makers are opening their gates and welcoming people in. Whether you’re a local resident, retailer, pub, or visitor to the countryside, you’re invited to see harvest for yourself to walk among the orchards, meet the makers, and discover the apples that make British cider unique.
By choosing cider made here, you celebrate the harvest, champion the makers, and help keep orchards and rural jobs thriving for the next generation.
Jul 22, 2025
Sandford Orchards is launching a new Vintage Straw Pressed Fine Cider (ABV 6.8%) created in collaboration with Ben Collins, formerly known as The Stig. The cider will be launched on 30th July at the first ever Bristol Cider Week and will be available in 30 litre kegs and 750ml bottles from www.sandfordorchards.co.uk and other specialist distributors.
Barny Butterfield, founder of Sandford Orchards, comments: “Not many people know that there is a very different side to the racing driver who was once The Stig on Top Gear and a stunt driver for James Bond. He is also now a farmer in Devon who wants to grow apples and make fantastic authentic cider. We have been working with him on that journey and Straw Pressed is the result of our first collaboration.”
Using a centuries-old, single screw, Devon straw press, Ben and Barny hand-pressed apples from an ancient orchard at Prowse Farm, which contains a unique collection of cider varieties. The result of their labours is a spectacular cider with a burgundy hue and notes of grapefruit and melon running through a classic Devonian bittersweet farmhouse blend. It is a fine cider with truly extraordinary lineage, born in the nineteenth century. Slowly fermented and naturally bright and unfiltered, a whisper of yeast may remain as a final reminder: this is living history in a bottle.
Ben’s Cider will be launched at the first ever Bristol Cider Week, the Oktoberfest of cider that aims to firmly establish Bristol as the undisputed ‘Cider Capital of the World’. Running from 25th July until 3rd August there will be parties, tastings, dinners, talks and workshops alongside a city-wide Cider Trail and a city centre block party hosted by Cider City. There will be two opportunities to meet Sandford Orchards and Ben and be the first to taste the new cider as well as a diverse selection of Sandford Orchards’ craft ciders, all made with fresh juice from British cider apples. Join Sandford Orchards and Ben at 5pm on 30th July at The Apple (unticketed event) or at 7pm at The Steam Crane (admission by tickets available here from eventbrite.co.uk).
Ben adds: ”My early years were spent on a farm in Devon and I have always had a dream to return to that life. It has been immensely rewarding to tap into Barny’s vast experience to help me to create my own cider orchard and to make my very first cider. Traditional English cider making is a rare process that touches your soul through every sense. Barny shares my passion for doing things “right” and I’m delighted to be working with one of the best cider makers in the country. We are both looking forward to slaking the thirsty with our first batch of this straw-pressed special.”
Barny finishes: “It is always a pleasure to collaborate on a new cider. It is always enlightening to bring a new perspective and distinctive skill set to the mix and we’ve been inspired to seek out more opportunities like this going forward so watch this space.”
Sandford Orchards X Ben’s Cider (ABV 6.8%) 2024 Vintage Straw Pressed Fine Cider will be available to the trade as a limited edition in 30 litre kegs and 750ml bottles. For more information contact sales@sandfordorchards.co.uk
For further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk/cider-awards or follow Sandford Orchards on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
For more information about Ben Collins please visit www.bencollins.com.
For more information about Bristol Cider Week please visit www.bristolciderweek.co.uk.
Jul 2, 2025
Pictured: BCMA Winners Claire Daniels and Mike Shorland from Rull Orchard with Barny Butterfield, Sandford Orchards
Sandford Orchards has just announced that Rull Orchard has won their 2025 Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards with their Autumn Unwrapped Perry (5.5% ABV). These unique awards, which offer aspiring cider makers the chance to win an invaluable package of vouchers, guidance and guaranteed listings in the on and off trade, are designed to support the future of cider in the UK.
Rull Orchards Autumn Unwrapped Perry
Claire Daniels from Rull Orchard comments: “We’re over the moon to receive this award! It’s wonderful to have our natural, full juice perry recognised by a panel of such acclaimed judges, and very exciting to be part of a growing appreciation for sustainably produced drinks that reflect our passion for nature and biodiversity. We’re very much looking forward to collaborating with Barny and our future journey in creating and promoting cider and perry.”
Barny Butterfield, MD of Sandford Orchards and founder of the awards explains:”Rull Orchard is a worthy winner of these awards. Their Autumn Unwrapped Perry is technically sensational. Every judge on the day wished they could make a perry of this quality. If you are looking for flavour, character and style, you simply will not believe what Rull has landed here.”
Silver Winners Canterbury Cider
Silvers were awarded to Canterbury Cider for its Celebration Cider (ABV 6%) and to Tippetts Cider for its Crow Cider (ABV 4.8%). The judges described Celebration Cider as a wonderful introduction to cider for the curious; brilliantly approachable, very smooth and well made. They felt that Crow Cider was a rich, easy drinking, balanced cider with delightful tannins and baked apple flavours.
The Breakthrough Cider Maker Award entrants were judged by industry experts including Gabe Cook, The Ciderologist, Tom Oliver, from Oliver’s Cider and Perry and Mary Topp from New Forest Cider and The London Cider House.
Gabe Cook says: “I was particularly delighted that it was a Perry that sealed the win for Rull. Clearly they are relishing blending their drinks and are determined to share the joy of cider and perry, far and wide. What an honour it was to taste through a wonderful selection of ciders and perries.”
Silver winners Tippetts Cider
Tom Oliver adds: “This was my favourite and hardest Breakthrough Cider Awards judging! The standard of liquids, packaging and storytelling was compelling from several makers. But in the end the result was unanimous. The perry was one of the finest anyone at the table had tasted in a long time and Rull Orchard’s passion shined through their application.”
Mary Topp finishes: “I’m delighted by the success of all the winners in this year’s Breakthrough Awards. The distinct regional flavours showcased by Tippetts and Canterbury’s Silver awards were excellent examples of how English cider has evolved, proving there’s truly a cider out there for every palate. For The London Cider House, involvement with the Breakthrough Awards is incredibly important. We’re so proud to support initiatives that champion future leaders in cider.”
Rull Orchard will receive a prize package that includes a £500 Vigo voucher, a £250 Murphy & Son voucher, a listing at their local Stable Pizza, a listing at The London Cider House, a Sandford Orchards collaboration limited edition cider and a visit by Sandford Orchards’ cider makers to offer practical help and advice about set up. The two runners up will both receive a £200 voucher from Bag In Box Shop UK plus a £100 voucher from Murphy & Son. All three winners will receive a 12 month listing at Darts Farm, Devon and a 12 month listing on www.sandfordorchards.co.uk.
The Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards were launched by Sandford Orchards at the end of 2019 and aim to recognise and celebrate excellent quality whole juice ciders from around the UK. Sandford Orchards would like to thank Gabe Cook, Tom Oliver and Mary Topp for judging and Vigo, Murphy & Son, The Bag In Box Shop, The Stable, The London Cider House and Darts Farm for their support and prize donations.
To celebrate the awards, Sandford Orchards has created a fantastic Breakthrough Cider Maker Taster Case containing all the winning ciders, which is available from www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, RRP £35.00.
For further information on the Sandford Orchards Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk/cider-awards or follow Sandford Orchards on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Jun 26, 2025
Producers and retailers gear up as consumers turn to cider for summer refreshment.
UK cider makers are gearing up for a buoyant summer as the category reclaims its natural place as the drink of the season. With increased consumer interest in provenance, freshness and naturally made drinks, cider is firmly on the radar of discerning drinkers and this summer offers a golden opportunity to celebrate the category’s unique strengths.
From heritage rich ciders made on family farms to low alcohol innovative blends, producers across the UK are investing in new products, formats and messaging to meet seasonal demand and drive growth across the on- and off-trade.
David Sheppy, Chair of the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM), commented:
“Summer has always been cider’s moment but this year we’re seeing real momentum across the board. Consumers are actively seeking out British made drinks with a story, and cider delivers just that. We’re proud to see innovation coming through alongside tradition and that combination is helping to widen the category’s appeal.”
The NACM is encouraging retailers and the trade to spotlight cider as a seasonal hero, with key talking points including:
- Freshness and provenance – made with pressed apples in British orchards.
- Diverse flavour profiles – from tannic, traditional styles to lighter, modern blends.
- Natural and lower ABV options – aligning with health-conscious consumer behaviour.
- Sustainability credentials – with many producers championing regenerative agriculture and circular production.
With cider sales often peaking between June and September, retailers are advised to review their ranges, support British producers and create clear signposting in-store and online.
“The cider category has more to offer than ever before,” Sheppy added. “Whether it’s draught or bottle, traditional or fruit-led, there’s strong consumer interest and we’d love to see more listings, trial opportunities and feature space over the coming months.”
The message is clear: cider belongs at the heart of the British summer and the trade is well placed to help the category shine.
