Welsh breathing fire into cider market
JDW will begin stocking cider from Wales' biggest producer Gwynt y Ddraig – which just announced a three-fold increase in sales - at its Welsh outlets this week.
Gwynt y Ddraig, announced increase in sales of 196% in a year which has seen other cider producers announce a downturn in the market.
The company produced 350,000 litres of its Dragons' Breath cider last year, mainly from fruit grown in Monmouthshire.
Bill George, managing director of Gwynt Y Ddraig: “The past year has been exceptional with regard to our sales of ciders and it just goes to show that there is a demand for quality Welsh ciders rather than a mass-marketed product from across the sea.
“Come the autumn, our pickers will be collecting the fruit from the orchards and then it's our busiest time of the year as it all has to be pressed.”
Gwynt y Ddraig Cider Limited was formed in 2001 by Bill George and his nephew Andrew Gronow at Bill's farm at Llantwit Fardre.
Since then the company has won many awards, both from CAMRA and from the Welsh Perry & Cider Society. Currently 15 different ciders and perries (fermented pear juice) are produced from 600 tons of apples and pears. All the ciders and perries are fermented naturally with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
To Comment: Login or Register