Last week we officially opened a new state-of-the-art facility here at Myrtle Farm.

The Roy Hunt building is a significant addition to our family-run business. Designed to support our continued expansion, it will house the essential engineering team, who are responsible for keeping the site running smoothly. It also includes space for workshops, storage and a crucial water borehole.

The building commemorates Roy Hunt, a former Thatchers executive whose contributions were instrumental in shaping our growth. In the 1990s, Roy played a central role in modernising our financial systems, laying the foundations for future expansion. He joined the board as a non-executive director in 1990, helping to drive the business forward and ultimately supporting our rise to become the UK’s largest independent cider maker.

Roy Hunt passed away in 2018 at the age of 88. The naming of the building is a lasting tribute to his vision, expertise, and enduring impact.

Speaking at the opening event where Roy’s wife, Joan Hunt, cut the ribbon, Martin Thatcher, fourth-generation cider maker, said: “It’s incredibly fitting that Roy’s name is now part of a facility that supports the future of our business. His knowledge, dedication, and forward-thinking approach were key to our development and success. We’re proud to honour him in this lasting and meaningful way.”

The Roy Hunt Building ensures Thatchers can continue to meet the increasing demand for award-winning ciders. This project forms part of the company’s ongoing investment in production capabilities, including a recent canning line expansion that has tripled capacity.