Cider maker Thatchers has planted more than 100,000 trees to boost its supply of home-grown apples – an investment that, literally, will not bear fruit for at least six years.
The firm, which produces 50m litres of cider a year and is developing a vibrant export business, is committed to using as many apples as possible from Myrtle Farm near Weston-super-Mare, the base of its cider-making operation for more than 100 years. 
It is also determined to re-introduce classic varieties of apples not grown for generations to enable it to expand its range of craft ciders.
The 100,000 new trees on its 360 acres of orchard include classic bittersweet varieties such as Vilberry, Harry Masters Jersey and Dabinett, as well as new, early variety, Helen.
A new seven-acre orchard at Myrtle Farm will be used to trial 22 different apple varieties – many classic cider apples that are being grown in the hedgerow style of planting pioneered by Thatchers.
Varieties such as Stoke Red, White Jersey, Chisel Jersey and Tom Putt will be included in the trial – all previously grown in Thatchers’ exhibition orchard where 458 different varieties are grown in small numbers, many not traditionally used in cider making.
Managing director Martin Thatcher said: “The aim of this particular trial is to identify some of the older and more traditional varieties of apple which, when combined with our own hedgerow techniques, are capable of producing cider of optimum and unique quality, in the Thatchers’ character and style.”
This year for the first time Thatchers has introduced new shared farming contracts with landowners, as well as planting on its own land at Myrtle Farm, and continuing to work on 25-year contracts with its growers.
Martin continued: “Over 51% of the apples grown in this country are used to make cider. The contribution that the cider industry makes to the rural economy through its orchards is significant, upwards of £30m.
“But with apple trees taking six or seven years to start cropping fully, and orchards lasting around 40 years, planting orchards now is a long-term commitment for the future and a responsibility that we here at Thatchers we take seriously.”
Thatchers exports to Scandinavia, Spain, Russia and Australia and has recently launched in the US. It is now exploring opportunities in China.
