3rd SEPTEMBER 2009 | THATCHERS ANNOUNCES ITS BEST YEAR FOR CIDER SALES
Thatchers Cider has announced it has achieved record cider sales, increasing volume by 25% year on year.
Helped by the launch earlier this year of its new style blush cider, Katy Rosé, Thatchers has been expanding its reach throughout the UK in both the on and off trades.
Martin Thatcher, managing director says, “Not only have we sold more cider than ever before over the last year, the range and complexity of flavours has been developed even further. Quality starts with the orcharding of the apples, both here in Sandford, and with our network of growers throughout the West Country, and through to our production processes, packaging and marketing.”
Thatchers Gold remains the company’s leading brand in terms of volume, followed closely by the single variety cider, Katy, and Katy Rosé, which has won listings in both Sainsbury’s and Waitrose.
Martin Thatcher adds, “We have plenty to be optimistic about for the coming year. Cider is the only long drinks category currently in growth by both value and volume (1), and Thatchers is the fastest growing cider producer by volume in the on trade (2). In the off trade, our share of the premium cider category is growing ahead of the market.
“Consumers continue to look for innovation and premium products, and this is why they are increasingly choosing Thatchers ciders.”
This year Thatchers has been planting more orchards to cope with the increased demand for its ciders. 16 acres of new orchard have been planted in and around its mill in Sandford, Somerset, including over 5,000 new Katy apple trees.
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For further information, contact:
Martin Thatcher, Tel: 01934 822862
martin@thatcherscider.co.uk
Penny Adair, PR Manager,
Tel: 0117 9040173 or 07967 047464
penny@pennyadair.co.uk
