Rain-soaked summer brings bumper harvest for local cider maker

While the summer may have been a washout for holidaymakers, it has been a boon for Thatchers’ 500 acres of apple orchards.

The wet weather has provided the optimum conditions for a bountiful harvest, resulting in one of the “juiciest” apple harvests in recent years.

This coincides with National Apple Day, celebrated across the UK on October 21, a day that celebrates the heritage and diversity of apple varieties grown throughout the country.

Chris Muntz-Torres, Thatchers’ orchard manager, said: “The mix of weather we’ve seen – plenty of rain followed by bursts of warm sunshine – has been exactly what our apples needed.”

The cider makers at Thatchers are not complaining about the wet summer as they have registered one of the “juiciest” apple harvests in recent history

The cider maker boasts of growing 458 varieties of apples for their cider press in Somerset.

Martin Thatcher, fourth generation cider maker, expressed his delight at the recent harvest. He said: “Cider apples love a mild autumn. The warmer weather mixed with the moisture in the deep, rich Somerset soil gave the trees a perfect environment to produce our traditional bittersweet varieties, such as Dabinett and Somerset Redstreak.

“The rain has been a blessing for the trees, while the late summer sun has boosted the fruit’s natural sugars, giving our ciders their distinctive depth and character.”

The bright red Katy apples were the first to be harvested over the August bank holiday. They are used in Thatchers Juicy Apple, Thatchers Apple and Blackcurrant and the popular single variety cider, Thatchers Katy – a sparkling cider perfect for celebrations and festive occasions.

“The rain has been a blessing for the trees, while the late summer sun has boosted the fruit’s natural sugars, giving our ciders their distinctive depth and character,” said Martin Thatcher, fourth generation cider maker

This year’s harvest is particularly special for the family-run firm as it marks the fifth generation of the family at the helm, with Eleanor Thatcher joining the board of directors.

Eleanor’s expertise in fermentation and cider making has already made an impact with the launch of first cider she crafted – Juicy Apple in August. The crisp, sweet cider, made with 100 per cent renewable electricity and reusing CO2 from fermentation is expected to set a precedent in cider making.

With a 120-year legacy of cider making under his belt, Martin Thatcher expressed his confidence on the future trajectory of the firm. He said:  “This year’s harvest is a proud moment for our family.

“With Eleanor joining the leadership team, we’re excited about the future. She brings new ideas and energy, but we’ll always stay true to the values and passion that have been handed down through generations.”

Since 2010, the group has planted over 158,000 new trees, with another 13,000 planned for next year.

The Somerset-based cider maker boasts of growing 458 varieties of apples instead of eight

This investment is expected bear fruits in allowing Thatchers to maintain its development of new ciders and create new styles to meet the evolving consumer trends.

Their flagship products, including Thatchers Gold, Thatchers Haze, and the vibrant Thatchers Blood Orange and Thatchers Apple & Blackcurrant, reflect the blend of tradition and modernity.

While the summer may have been a washout for holidaymakers, it has been a boon for Thatchers’ 500 acres of apple orchards

To learn more about Thatchers Cider, visit www.thatcherscider.co.uk

All photos:Thatchers

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