Cornish Orchards Andy Atkinson, left, and head cider maker John Clare toast the company’s success
The cider specialist’s flagship Cornish Gold is being sold in 40 stores in Devon and Cornwall alongside the traditional Farmhouse cider and the classic Vintage variety. The South East Cornwall cider company, based at Duloe, near Liskeard, has been making its natural and handcrafted ciders and soft drinks since 1999.
The latest selection caught the attention of a Tesco’s regional buyer this autumn, and the first order was dispatched and added to the supermarket giant’s stands on Monday.
Following a rebrand in 2011, the company’s produce has been lauded by customers across the globe. The company already exports its products to a number of European countries including the Netherlands and Italy.
The colourful tree branding has been attracting new customers from as far afield as Singapore and Australia.
And it is looking to extend its reach into the Scandinavian marketplace within the two years.
Lucy Craven
Best Marketing Strategy: Winner – Lucy Craven (Cornish Orchards in Liskeard area) developed key relationships with major clients like The Eden Project where their cider is the best-selling shop product at the biomes as well as implementing a huge re-branding exercise for Cornish Orchards.
Lucy Craven, Cornish Orchards’ sales and marketing manager, led the project to bring the ciders on to supermarket shelves. She said: “It’s fantastic to see our ciders stocked across the western counties in time for new fans to enjoy them over the festive season.”
Anna Pascoe, business development manager, said the Tesco partnership had come in “timely fashion”.
She said: “Many supermarket customers like to buy local produce. When they see our products, they are proud of the Cornish brand and the Westcountry connection.”
Cornish Orchards is based at Westnorth Manor Farm, part of the Duchy of Cornwall Estate.
The company now employs 24 staff and produces a variety of ciders, juices and preserves, with its core business coming from the Devon and Cornwall area. Production has grown by 40% in the last 12 months and the firm is aiming to double output during 2013.
Along with the rebranding there have been several major developments on the farm, including a new productions building and an apple bay. In May, the Cornish cider company beat brews from other areas more traditionally associated with the drink to a prestigious national award.
Its Farmhouse Cider won a gold award at the 2012 Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) National Cider and Perry Championships 2012.