NACM Welcomes New Chairman, Gordon Johncox from Aston Manor

NACM Welcomes New Chairman, Gordon Johncox from Aston Manor

Sep 13, 2018

Gordon Johncox, the chief executive of Aston Manor Cider, has been named as the new chair of the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM).

Addressing members of the NACM and attendees at the All Party Parliamentary Cider Group (APPCG) on Tuesday 11 September, Gordon outlined his vision to ensure a sustainable future for producers, whatever their scale.

He called for a fair and balanced regulatory environment for cider makers to operate in and asked for the support from MPs, Ministers and officials to back the UK industry – home to the largest cider market in the world.

Gordon promoted the need for a collaborative approach and all involved to give the industry the best opportunity to flourish.

Speaking about becoming chair, Gordon commented: “I’ve enjoyed a significant amount of my career in the cider industry and a great part of my life living in the cider heartland, so I am relishing the opportunity to lead the industry.

“No matter the size of the cider maker, everyone is committed to apples and agriculture – that is the most important message I want to get across. The industry is facing a number of complex challenges, but through a united approach we can certainly deliver a future that is innovative and sustainable.

“We need an excise duty structure that allows producers to grow, a robust examination of evidence in all policy issues and of course, cider makers to have the common goal to celebrate this diverse industry that provides for ever consumer and occasion – here in the UK and across the world.”

Fenella Tyler, the chief executive of the NACM, spoke about the appointment: “Gordon has been the deputy chair for two years and has already made a significant contribution. We expect he will continue to do great work to advance the interests of all cider markets for the benefit of all cider drinkers.”

Before joining Aston Manor Cider, Gordon was previously the managing director at Magners GB. He will be the chair of the NACM for two years and has replaced Helen Thomas of Westons Cider.

National Cheese Lover’s Day

National Cheese Lover’s Day

Jan 20, 2017

Are you a Feta fan, a Stilton stalwart, or a Cheddar champion? If so, you might be keen to know that today is National Cheese Lover’s Day.  Cider and cheese are the perfect complement to one another, and work well together on so many levels.

Cheddar (surely the Nation’s favourite?) is from one of cider’s heartland regions in Somerset, with large and small cider makers right on the doorstep.  I can think of few better food and drink pairings than a large lump of mature Cheddar, a door-step sized slice of crusty white bread, and a glass of dry, bittersweet cider.  But, there are other great matchings to be had: why not try a fresh, zingy goat’s cheese with a fruity, medium cider or a fully ripe brie with a crisp, dry cider?  The options are endless – the fun bit is experimenting to find out what works best for you.

There are a surprising number of meals where cider and cheese combine as ingredients to create delicious dishes.  A British take on Mac n’ Cheese, for example, could involve a glug of bold, dry cider.  Similarly, why not try using some cider next time you have a dinner party, go retro and dust off the fondue set.  The addition of a crisp, dry cider will provide a bite of acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese.

Cider and perry can sometimes even be integral to the cheese making process itself.  The Famous Stinking Bishop cheese, from Charles Martell in Gloucestershire, has been rind-washed in perry, providing that fabulous pungent aroma that so befits the name.  Whilst former Blur bassist, Alex James, has crafted the multi-award-winning Goddess cheese, which has been rind-washed in Somerset Cider Brandy.  Fabulous!

So why not celebrate National Cheese Lover’s Day in the best possible way: with a glass of great British cider!