Jun 2, 2021
When Healeys Cyder (Cornwall’s largest independent cyder-maker) decided in 2020 that they wanted new packaging for their soon-to-be launched line of Still Rattler fruit cider – Flattler, they turned to Smurfit Kappa Barnstaple to provide a solution.
Healeys Cyder is one of the fastest-growing cyder-makers in the UK and you will already find Rattler Cornish Cloudy Cyder and Cornish Gold available on draught and in bottles at pubs and venues up and down the country. By introducing Bag-in-Box® cider to their packaging options, Healeys Cyder can now offer Rattler Cyder in more settings and in a still format, complimenting their existing carbonated range.
The Bag-in-Box® offers an efficient and ease of use with its ‘pull and pour’ format, ideal for use in pub gardens, BBQ’s and at events. “We wanted our cyders to be as accessible as possible, which includes catering for a variety of pack formats and usage scenarios” Lee Maidment, Marketing Manager of Healeys Cyder.
Smurfit Kappa Barnstaple have been delivering Bag-in-Box® packaging solutions for almost two decades and are committed in being the partner of choice for drinks companies. Andrew Richards, Business Development Manager of Smurfit Kappa Barnstaple, was excited to present the different boxed cider options available which would meet Healeys Cyder’s requirement for their upcoming Flattler cider products.
The goal was to provide a Bag-in-Box® product that was:
- Full colour print to complement their unique branding
- Had no requirement for glue or tape to erect
- Could withstand vigorous supply chain conditions
- Provide protection to the cider the box and bag contained
The solution was Smurfit Kappa Barnstaple’s ‘envelope’ style Bag-in-Box® which is made from 300K/K double wall grade, printed full colour litho and quick to erect saving time on the production line.
“We love our new Bag-in-Box® packaging from Smurfit Kappa Barnstaple. Rattler Cornish Cloudy Cyder is well-known for standing out in the cider industry, particularly when it comes to our use of vibrant colours across the Rattler brand, and I am pleased to say that the boxes for Flattler that Smurfit Kappa have delivered meet our very high standards! The box itself is quick and easy to assemble, and most importantly, the structure of the Bag-in-Box® is strong and robust, which means none of our delicious cyder will go to waste through damages!” continued Lee.
Healeys Cyder, Flattler boxed still cider will be distributed to pubs and venues across the UK, and you can also purchase a range of their ciders, spirits, soft drinks and more via their website https://healeyscyder.co.uk/shop/
If you would like to know more about Bag-in-Box® for cider products visit smurfitkappa.com/cider.
May 21, 2021
Devon based Sandford Orchards is launching three of its session ciders in a new canned format along with its full range of flavoured ciders, ready for the summer season. Devon Dry, Devon Mist and Rib Tickler will be available in cans from the end of May with Fanny’s Bramble, Old Blossom, Berry Lane and Cider Ginger to follow in June. These new canned ciders will be available from selected retail outlets including Sandford Orchards’ shop, plus hospitality venues and online from www.sandfordorchards.co.uk.
Barny Butterfield, Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards comments: “As part of a recent £1.2m investment in our business we installed a brand new canning line to meet the growing demands for more canned drinks. We recently launched our most popular cider, Devon Red, in a can and the response was overwhelming. With BBQ season upon us and large outdoor gatherings now permitted, we felt that this was the ideal time to launch some of our other key ciders in a new can format. Cans are light, less fragile than bottles and eminently more portable making it the perfect format for al fresco consumption.”
Devon Dry Cider (ABV 5% 8 x 440ml, RRP £13.99) is crisp, dry and filled with mouth watering cider apple tannin leading to a long, clean, citrus finish. It is a tribute to the true West Country dry cider style.
Devon Mist (ABV 4.5%, 8 x 440ml, RRP £13.99) is unfiltered and expertly blended to create a medium, cloudy, session cider, bursting with rich autumnal fruits and a long satisfying finish.
Rib Tickler (ABV 5%, 8 x 440ml, RRP £13.99) was created with The Rugby Players Association to raise vital funds for charity. It has rich aromas of honey and baked apple, ripe and buttery on the palate, with a moreish apple skin flavour, balanced with a crisp, natural acidity.
Fanny’s Bramble (ABV 4%, 12 x 330ml RRP £21) is an exceptional craft cider that is a perfectly balanced and exceedingly delicious blend of fresh apple and blackberries.
Old Blossom (ABV 4%, 12 x 330ml RRP £21) captures the essence of early summer with elderflowers adding a subtle sweetness and delicate aroma to expertly crafted Devon cider.
Berry Lane (ABV 4%, 12 x 330ml RRP £21) is satisfyingly sweet and refreshingly tart, created by adding perfectly ripe raspberries to this masterfully crafted Devon cider.
Cider Ginger (ABV 4%,12 x 330ml RRP £21) is created from fresh pressed root ginger and the finest Devon cider. It is a great food pairing for spicy dishes, and an outstanding cocktail ingredient.
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. With their recent rebrand and expanded capacity, they started 2021 in a strong position to meet the needs of their fast-growing fan base as well as cider drinkers who want to trade up to something more authentic and better tasting.
Combining tradition and innovation, Sandford Orchards produces an award-winning range of core session, flavoured, vintage and fine ciders.
For further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
May 17, 2021
Harriett met with Apple Grower Bruce & Sarah Starkey, Cider Maker Geoff Thompson from Oldfields Cider and Mark Hopper from the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM).
After being given a tour of the orchards and learning more about the cider industry, Harriett listened to concerns about cider makers’ tanks remaining largely blocked with the 2019 and 2020 harvests, which may need to be destroyed to make way for this year’s apple harvest. Worse still, was the fear that without support, decades old cider apple orchards may vanish from the countryside. The impacts of the numerous COVID lockdowns, pubs, bars shut and cancelled festivals over the last 12 months, has left some apple growers and cider makers in a perilous position.
“Cider makers are asking for much needed support to allow them to recover from the impact of COVID and for the government to keep their pledge to reduce red tape for business.” said Mark Hopper NACM “The Treasury review into how cider and other alcoholic beverages are taxed is an opportunity to provide much needed support for our industry, but cider makers are concerned about more complexity and added cost.”
Bruce Starkey said “Cider apple orchards add huge value to communities, they are great for sustainability, contributing to biodiversity and of course trees are beneficial in terms of carbon. However, they are also dependent on a strong cider market and if we can’t sell the apples then we can’t afford to grow the tree.”
Geoff Thompson said “the last 12 months have been extremely challenging but there have been some positives such as strengthening the relationships we have with our local community. We look forward to pubs, festivals and whole hospitality sector re-opening this summer.”
Speaking after the visit, Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire commented, ”Cider is a very important local product with apple trees all over the county producing some of the best ciders in the world. It was really helpful to meet with Bruce and Sarah at Commonwood Farm to hear of the challenges they are facing and the requests they would like me to pass back to the Government.”
“I’ve already raised taxation issues with the Chancellor and I also met with DEFRA last week to talk about specific support measures for the industry and I have passed that guidance on.”
“We are all hoping that the weather is now set fair as the apple trees blossom and we all hope for a bumper crop this autumn.”
May 14, 2021
‘Sip Drink Tour Herefordshire’ is an exciting new trail highlighting the finest drinks producers the county has to offer, from its famous artisan ciders to delicious fruit liqueurs and award-winning vodkas and gins.
The new 20-page trail booklet, curated by Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire, the county’s leading destination marketing organisation, features 17 of Herefordshire’s finest drink producers, plus the fascinating Museum of Cider, Two Farmers Crisps – the UK’s first 100% plastic free crisp brand – and the much-loved Crown Inn pub, who proudly serve their very own craft ‘Kings’ cider.
Visitors can discover how Herefordshire producers take simple ingredients, often grown on their own farms tucked away in the county’s beautiful countryside, and turn them into expertly crafted products. Explore vineyards, orchards and distilleries via guided tours and tasting sessions, or even try your hand at making your own produce.
In addition, Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire have developed a handy quick-reference downloadable guide and map to help visitors to plot their own trail, available on their website. Many of the featured locations offer tours and tastings, while others have onsite and/or online shops, and many of the products are stocked across the county for customers to purchase and try at home.
Heidi Chamberlain-Jones from Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire and creator of the new trail, commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to have curated a brand-new artisan producer tour for Herefordshire. The county is already well known for apple growing and cider making but there is also a vibrant community of craft distillers, brewers and new and emerging tours and experiences. We urge everyone to take the trail and experience something a little different in Herefordshire this summer.”
To find out more, see eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk/sip-drink-tour-trail
Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire is the leading destination marketing organisation supporting not only Herefordshire’s food and drink businesses, accommodation providers, activities, leisure venues and pursuits, and events, but also promoting the county’s crafts, creatives and artisans, its beauty, culture and heritage, plus its music and unique vibe.
Find out more at eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk
Twitter @EatSleepLiveHfd
Facebook /EatSleepLiveHerefordshire
Instagram @EatSleepLiveHerefordshire
May 10, 2021
Photo: Fay Jones MP at Trevithel Court Farm with David James (right), William James (far right) and Mark Hopper (left)
Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones was in Brecon on Friday 7th May 2021 visiting Trevithel Court Farm. Fay met with Apple Grower David James and Mark Hopper from the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM).
After being given a tour of the orchards and learning more about the cider industry, Fay listened to concerns about cider makers’ tanks remaining largely blocked with the 2019 and 2020 harvests, which may need to be destroyed to make way for this year’s apple harvest. Worse still, was the fear that without support, decades old cider apple orchards may vanish from the countryside. The impacts of the numerous COVID lockdowns, pubs, bars shut and cancelled festivals over the last 12 months, has left some apple growers and cider makers in a perilous position.
“Cider makers are asking for much needed support to allow them to recover from the impact of COVID and for the government to keep their pledge to reduce red tape for business.” said Mark Hopper NACM “The Treasury review into how cider and other alcoholic beverages are taxed is an opportunity to provide much needed support for our industry, but cider makers are concerned about more complexity and added cost.”
David James said “Cider making depends on locally grown apples, but these orchards take best part of a decade to reach full crop and can’t just be turned on and off to suit demand. After a very difficult year, we urgently need support to ensure that capacity is opened up and cider apple growers are able to sell their 2021 crop this autumn.”
Speaking after the visit, Fay Jones said “it is good to see a local business continue to be optimistic during what has been a difficult time. Cider duty was once again frozen in this year’s Budget to help support local pubs and the wider supply chain, but the NACM have made a number of arguments for the future and these issues are definitely something I will look at.”
Apr 26, 2021
Rosie met with Cider Maker Sam Mount and Mark Hopper from the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM).
After being given a tour of the orchards and learning more about the cider industry, Rosie listened to concerns about cider makers’ tanks remaining largely blocked with the 2019 and 2020 harvests, which may need to be destroyed to make way for this year’s apple harvest. Worse still, was the fear that without support, decades old cider apple orchards may vanish from the countryside. The impacts of the numerous COVID lockdowns, pubs, bars shut and cancelled festivals over the last 12 months, has left some apple growers and cider makers in a perilous position.
“Cider makers are asking for much needed support to allow them to recover from the impact of COVID and for the government to keep their pledge to reduce red tape for business.” said Mark Hopper NACM “ The Treasury review into how cider and other alcoholic beverages are taxed is an opportunity to provide much needed support for our industry, but cider makers are concerned about more complexity and added cost.”
Sam Mount said, “It has been a challenging year but there are some positives, such as connecting more directly with our local community. Opening The Barn as a cafe, bar, shop and deli has been a great experience and a way for people to get closer to their local food and drink producers.”
Speaking after the visit, Rosie Duffield said “it is good to see a local business continue to be optimistic during what has been a difficult time. The food and drink sector welcomed the freeze in cider duty in the Budget, helping local pubs and the wider supply chain in their Coronavirus recovery, but the NACM have made a number of arguments for the future and these issues are definitely something I will look at.”
- Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield was in Bekesbourne on Friday 23rd April 2021 visiting Kentish Pip Cider on Woolton Farm.
- The Mount family have been growing apples at Woolton Farm for four generations. For more information on Kentish Pip Cider visit: https://www.kentishpip.co.uk/
