ONE of the UK's largest cider producers has unveiled a brand-new £3 million packaging line at its Herefordshire mill, in an effort to keep pace with a nationwide surge in demand for its authentic ciders.

Westons Cider, based in Much Marcle near Ledbury, was established in 1880 – and it's now the sixth biggest company of its kind in the country.

The new state-of-the-art canning line will be used to package 12,500 cans every hour and the firm says it is the latest in a number of exciting developments for the company as Westons Cider targets ambitious growth plans, despite a challenging year for many drinks businesses operating in the hospitality sector.

Hereford Times: Vats at the Westons Cider factory in Much Marcle Vats at the Westons Cider factory in Much Marcle

Managing director Helen Thomas, who is the great-granddaughter of founder Henry Weston, said: “During lockdown – as pubs, bars and restaurants sadly closed their doors – sales of our ciders soared in supermarkets.

“This unexpected surge in demand made clear just how important it is for us to control our own destiny, particularly when it comes to getting our world-renowned ciders from our Herefordshire mill into people’s hands.

“For us, that meant bringing more of our supply chain in house and investing in our own canning line.

“While it’s a significant investment, this new line will enable us to package each and every can of cider right at the heart of the Westons Cider mill and will mean we’ll be less reliant on third parties – ultimately helping to future-proof the business."

Hereford Times: Westons Cider is investing £3 million at the site Westons Cider is investing £3 million at the site

Cans have become a key format for the cider maker in recent years, while larger canned multipacks have proved particularly popular amid changing shopping habits since the start of the pandemic.

“Whether people are venturing out to their local pub, or sipping on a cold cider at home, we’re gearing up for a big summer of cider sales – and now we’re better equipped to handle surges in demand than ever before,” she added.

Westons Cider employs 230 people at its mill and has a turnover of £65 million.