Big UK producer Westons Cider signs new Hereford FC deal

Westons Cider said it was delighted to continue its strong relationship with the National League North Club as it signs a new three-year sponsorship deal.

The family-run firm, based in Much Marcle, said it had had a connection with the football club for decades, with Len Weston a benefactor and former president of the club.

One of the stands at Edgar Street is named after him, and it is one part of the firm's sponsorship with the club.

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The new sponsorship deal will be in place from the start of the 2023/24 season and continue for three seasons, and will include the high-profile sponsorship of the Len Weston Stand and the Stowford Press-branded Radfords Bar, named after legendary player Ronnie Radford, one of the 1972 FA Cup giantkillers squad.

Hereford FC chairman Jon Hale said: "The club is delighted that Westons Cider have extended their sponsorship for another three seasons, we look forward to continuing to work with such a forward-thinking company with such great brands and products and appreciate all they do for the club, our volunteers and fans."

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Darryl Hinksman, head of business development at Westons Cider, said: "Westons is delighted to continue our strong relationship with Hereford FC.

"Our connection to the club and the community goes back a long way, Len Weston was a benefactor and former president of the club and it's been a part of the family's history for many years since. We are very proud to be working with you all again in 2023."

The firm has also just announced a £2 million investment at its mill to enhance its fruit pressing capacity, while using the latest technology to reduce overall energy consumption, as part of its mission to reduce its carbon footprint.

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The significant investment will see two state-of-the-art cider presses installed at the Much Marcle site, enabling the cider maker to keep pace with demand following a record year in which Westons Cider became the UK's fastest-growing cider producer.

The company also said it is one of the five largest manufacturing businesses in Herefordshire by revenue and employs more than 270 people, with 90 per cent of its apples coming from Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

It said the investment should also prevent orchards from being grubbed up as it will be able to process more fruit.

Running entirely off renewable energy sources and 20 per cent more efficient than the current on-site presses, the new technology represents a significant step towards the company's target of reducing its carbon emissions by 46 per cent by 2030.

The installation of the new presses, set to begin in May, will enable Westons Cider to press around 30 per cent more fruit in the coming harvest when compared to the 2022 season.