Thatchers has begun picking apples from its 550 acres of orchards ahead of the August bank holiday, marking the earliest harvest in the Somerset-based cider maker’s 120-year history.
The extended sunshine had produced apples “bursting with flavour, with rich sugars and tannins and promising outstanding quality”, said the brand.
The first variety harvested was the bright red Juice Apple, known for its crisp, sweet flavour and used in Thatchers’ latest addition Juicy Apple.
To meet the growing demand of Juicy Apple, Thatchers has planted 14,500 new apple trees, added 50 acres to its orchards and extended production facilities at Myrtle Farm where all its cider is made.
Thatchers said its ciders are made using 100% renewable electricity, partly supplied by 3,500 solar panels on site.
Speaking about this year’s crop, Richard Johnson head cidermaker at Thatchers Cider said: “We had an excellent spring, where the warm weather and bountiful blossom gave us good pollination, meaning the trees are laden with fruit.
“The apples are slightly smaller due to the lack of rain, but the flavours are intensified. I’m particularly excited to see our favourite bittersweet varieties like Dabinett and Somerset Redstreak, rich with the tannins that give our ciders the distinctive depth and character we’re known for.”
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