Better Business / Member profile
Thatchers Cider joins the Better Business Network
Thatchers Cider is excited to be an official member of the Bristol 24/7 Better Business network.
At Thatchers family farm, perfectionism is more than a trait – it is a tradition. For over 120 years and five generations, the Thatchers have been crafting cider with love and an unwavering attention to detail.
This dedication is evident in their impressive variety of apples; they do not just grow eight varieties, but an astounding 458. Each apple is carefully nurtured and transformed into a refreshing pint of cider, a process they have perfected over more than a century.
This meticulous approach has not only made Thatchers the number one independent cider producer in the country but also the most popular pint in the South West. Their commitment to quality is reflected in every sip, ensuring that each pint of Thatchers is a perfect one.
Each apple is carefully nurtured and transformed into a refreshing pint of cider, a process they have perfected over more than a century – photo: Neil Phillips Photo and Film Ltd
But Thatchers’ roots run deeper than their orchards. Their hot air balloon is a familiar sight in the Bristol skies, and their pints are a staple in every good bar. Their love for the region is also shown through their support for local sports teams, including Rovers and City, Gloucestershire Cricket, Bristol Bears, and Bristol Flyers.
Their collaboration with Aardman, another beloved South West business, brought the Thatchers farm to life, showcasing their shared commitment to excellence.
Thatchers’ dedication extends beyond cider making to environmental stewardship. For 120 years, the group has worked in harmony with nature, employing regenerative farming methods and enhancing biodiversity with wildflower areas.
Thatchers hot air balloon is a familiar sight in Bristol skies – photo: Thatchers
They have even built a five-star hotel for wildlife. Over the past 12 years, the group planted 158,000 trees and plan to add another 13,000 next year. Sustainability is at the core of their operations, with all their ciders made using 100 per cent renewable electricity, including power from 3,500 solar panels on the farm. Ensuring nothing goes to waste, They use leftover apple pulp for green energy and capturing CO2 from fermentation to carbonate their cider.
Down on the Thatchers family farm, perfectionism is more than a trait – photo: Thatchers
Martin Thatcher, fourth-generation cider maker and managing director of Thatchers Cider explained the importance of supporting and learning from other local businesses as facilitated by Better Bristol. He said: “Community is at the heart of our family business. We are proud to be part of the West Country and forever grateful to our loyal customers who consistently share their love of our cider.
“We constantly challenge ourselves to do things better; to preserve our quality and heritage, but also seek new, efficient, and environmentally friendly ways to do things. It’s what keeps us at the cutting edge of a centuries-old industry. It’s why we wanted to join Better Bristol – to support and learn from other local businesses that share our values.”
“We constantly challenge ourselves to do things better; to preserve our quality and heritage, but also seek new, efficient, and environmentally friendly ways to do things,” said Martin Thatcher, fourth-generation cider maker and managing director at Thatchers – photo: Thatchers
Thatchers’ story is one of passion, precision, and a profound connection to their community and environment. It’s a legacy that continues to grow, one perfect pint at a time.
To learn more about Thatchers Cider, visit www.thatcherscider.co.uk
Main photo: Thatchers
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