Family cidermaker Thatchers has been described as a “great British brand” after winning one of the grocery industry’s top accolades for its success in developing new drinks and its marketing campaigns.
The firm, which has been making cider on the Thatcher family’s near Weston-super-Mare since 1904, tasted success in the Drinks Brand of the Year category of The Grocer Gold Awards 2020 – widely regarded as the Oscars of the industry. 
It topped a shortlist that included Heineken, Innocent Drinks, Pepsi MAX – Britvic and Yellow Tail Wine – Casella Family Brands.
Judges praised Thatchers – best known for its Gold brand – as a “pioneering, forward-thinking family business”.
They also highlighted the firm’s commitment to quality and its sustainability credentials, including a series of initiatives to cut out plastics and reduce carbon.
The judges’ comments concluded by saying Thatchers had built a “great British brand”.
The introduction of new ciders to keep pace with changing consumer tastes and Thatchers’ marketing initiatives resonated with the judges, who were looking for innovation and originality coupled with business acumen and results.
They mentioned in particular Thatchers Rosé, the top selling new cider in a can introduced to its range last year, and Thatchers Zero, unveiled earlier this year in response to the growing popularity of low and no alcohol drinks.
Managing director Martin Thatcher said the award, which was presented virtually, had come as a real boost.
“This really is a fantastic achievement. The Grocer Gold Awards are highly regarded and it’s a real honour to have been chosen from a powerful shortlist of national brands,” he said.
“This award really is for everyone. It’s for all our loyal customers who enjoy our cider and are so supportive of all we do, from the new ciders we introduce, to our efforts in reducing plastic and cutting carbon. 
“As a company we’ve come a long way over the last decade, and recognition by The Grocer Gold Awards is a reflection of the dedication and passion of every member of the team at Thatchers – from those looking after our orchards, through to cider making, through to sales and marketing. Everyone plays their part in helping make the Thatchers brand who we are today.”
Thatchers’ range of ciders, which also includes Thatchers Haze, was boosted this year with the introduction of Cloudy Lemon as well as Zero.
The firm’s latest TV advertising campaign, pictured, celebrates all four generations of the cidermaking family while the firm continues to be a major sponsor of regional sports clubs.
