From orchard to bottle

Sustainable cider production refers to the creation of cider in a way that minimises environmental impact and promotes long-term ecological balance

In a world where sustainability is emerging as a cornerstone of long-term business success, the economic advantages, social benefits, long-term viability, and environmental protection are clear examples of how sustainable practices not only ensure business longevity but also preserve the planet for future generations.

Heritage Cider is leading the charge in advocating for reduced waste and increased use of recyclable products across the cider industry. Its commitment to sustainability sets a shining example for other companies to follow. With initiatives aimed at making cider production more eco-friendly, Heritage Cider is at the forefront of driving positive change in the industry.

Introduction to Heritage CiderThe Taunton Cider brand has been a successful household name since the 1980’s, with its illustrious roots stretching back to the early 1800’s. It was around the 1980’s that Taunton Cider was marked as the second largest cider maker in the UK, following Bulmers.

By 1991, a management buyout saw the brand floated on the stock market and eventually bought by Matthew Clark plc in 1995. In 1998, the famous Norton Fitzwarren site had closed down and hundreds of locals had lost their jobs. This was the perfect opportunity, once the trademark had been let go, to reform such an iconic brand!

Taunton Cider has been part of cider making from the beginning and boasts a long heritage and a passion for all things cider. Over the years, Taunton Cider has made significant efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations, recognising the importance of environmental stewardship in the cider-making process, but the story doesn’t end there.

In 2023, Heritage Cider acquired the brand, including its orchards and recipes. This strategic move has led to significant expansion, with the establishment of a larger warehouse facility equipped for increased pressing and storage capacities. As a result, more cider enthusiasts can now enjoy the refreshing taste of cold-pressed cider any day of the week.

Heritage Cider’s commitment to sustainabilityWe had the opportunity to chat with Edward Down, Production and Orchards Manager at Heritage Cider, to gain insight into the company’s perspective on sustainability and its implications for the cider industry at large.

“For us, sustainability means actively reducing our environmental impact and footprint. Our goal is to minimise our emissions and waste, preserve resources and ensure our operations have the least possible impact on the planet.”

Food & Drink Matters is a keen advocate for sustainable practices in the food and beverage industry, therefore, we asked Edward what specific challenges do sustainability initiatives bring to cider making.

“Sustainability presents unique challenges for us at Heritage – and we believe this is a common challenge faced by other cider producers as well. We grow, harvest, press, and blend all of our ciders in-house, however, this process necessitates the use of tractors, machinery, and electrical appliances. To mitigate our environmental impact, we have implemented various countermeasures in areas we believe that we can be more environmentally friendly.”

“For example, all our bottled products are made from glass, and we use recyclable cardboard trays and plastic wrapping. These measures help minimise our environmental impact. Additionally, our kegs are made of stainless steel, allowing for unlimited reuse and eliminating waste. We also offer a bag-in-box range that are stored and shipped in recyclable cardboard boxes, further ensuring our products are as eco-friendly as possible.”

Heritage Cider clearly recognises that sustainability is an ongoing journey and therefore, will continually look to invest in renewable energy sources to further reduce its carbon footprint whilst innovating in sustainable packaging practices.

The company’s support for sustainable orchard management practices has also not gone unnoticed, as it helps to preserve biodiversity and protect wildlife habitats in its surrounding areas.

“At Heritage Cider, we manage and maintain 50 acres of orchard land with around 5,500 apple trees with each tree taking in around 25kg of CO2 per year which equates to around 137,500kg per year! Furthermore, all of our waste yeast and cider excess is taken away and put into an anaerobic digester to create electricity which goes back into the main grid!” stated Edward.

Heritage Cider is proud to engage with local farmers, as sourcing locally grown apples is a fantastic way to support local agriculture and contribute towards the rural economy. This engagement fosters strong community relationships and promotes a wider sustainable agricultural practice. Heritage Cider use Somerset apples to achieve an eco-friendly triple whammy that includes the best fruit in the world whilst supporting local farmers and lowering its carbon footprint.

A statement taken from its website reads, “We do not import foreign concentrate. Our cider supports the bio diversity of the English countryside and the money we spend stays in the local economy. We make our cider in a traditional way; we do not force the fermentation or hurry things along and we end up with an incredible base cider from which our master cidermakers blend our different styles.”

Heritage Cider productsIts multi-award-winning craft cider uses a heritage of varieties that include English bittersweet and bittersharp cider apples grown in orchards that have supplied Taunton Cider for generations.

Its vast range of 500ml bottled ciders include a fantastic blend of quality and tradition while incorporating modern innovations such as 0% alcohol choices. Available in single bottles, boxes of 12, or 20 Litre Bag in a Box, there is a flavour for every palate in its collection.

Recommended are the Taunton Row 34 Cider 5.3%, Taunton Ultra Dry Cider 5.5%, Taunton Medium Cider 4%, Taunton English Berry Cider 3.4%, Taunton Vintage Cider 6%, Taunton Zero Cider 0%, and one of its Best Sellers: Taunton Dry Cider 4%.

Heritage Cider also have a couple of mobile bars and horseboxes which can be found at various events around the year such as; Somerset County Show, Somerset Cricket Cider Festival and more. What’s more, when these bars are not being used at events, they are available to rent for private events. “This gives our customers the option of throwing the best and most well catered events. You will have the option to have the bar ran by our amazing team or you can do what is called ‘a dry rental’ where we just supply you the bar. You can then hook up your own supply or purchase some incredible Taunton Cider at a discounted rate!”

Choose from the Mobile Roller Bar – the perfect option for venues without a bar as it can easily fit through small doors. It is also ideal for small parties and events as it takes up very little room. Or, The Horsebox Bar – mainly used for large events. With a range of extras, this bar has 4 taps and enables you to have multiple drinks on draught and could give your event or show the professional touch.

In closing, Heritage Cider has more than impressed us with its local sourcing practices, energy-efficient production, waste management strategies, and support for the local community. These efforts demonstrate how a historic cider producer can successfully integrate sustainability into its operations, contributing to environmental protection and long-term business viability in today’s world.

For more information, please see below:T 01823 213614info@heritage-cider.co.ukhttps://www.heritagecider.shop/hom