A Somerset farmer has been named Thatchers Cider’s Apple Grower of the Year – for the second time.

James Pullen, from Perrins Hill Farm, in Yeovil, has been growing apples for us for 13 years, and has 75 acres of orchard under contract.

With early ripening apple variety Katy leaving his orchards for pressing at Myrtle Farm in September, through to varieties such as Dabinett later in the season, James succeeds in producing the highest quality fruit throughout the growing period.

Richard Johnson, our head cider maker comments, “It’s an achievement to be proud of producing such high quality apples throughout the entire growing season. James’ knowledge of growing apples for cider making is second to none.

“He runs a successful farming business and as a supplier to us we can be assured of a high quality crop, that we press within 24 hours of it being harvested to perfection.

“This is a fantastic performance year on year, and we’re delighted to award James with our Apple Grower of the Year trophy. He is an important part of our apple growing community.”

The Thatchers Apple Grower of the Year award goes each year to the grower that Thatchers considers to have gone above and beyond in their apple cultivation and supply. James was previously awarded the trophy in 2019.

James Pullen says,

“It’s a delight to work with Thatchers and to know that the apples we grow at Perrins Hill Farm are pressed into such outstanding ciders. Growing apples is a long term commitment, and one that needs dedication all year round, caring for the trees and ensuring a perfect harvest.

“Thatchers puts an exceptionally strong emphasis on quality and this is an ethos we’re delighted to share.”