News / Cider
Local cider maker wins gold at international event
A cider maker, with 120 years of history to its name, has bagged not one, but four medals at a prestigious cider event.
Thatchers Cider, based at Myrtle Farm in Sandford, has won four medals at the Cider World Awards 2025.
Thatchers “Katy” received high praise from the judges at the event held in Frankfurt, being described as “perfect”, which went on to win a Gold medal.
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The panel lauded it for its “fresh, aromatic taste and technical excellence”. The awards, judged by international experts and backed by laboratory analysis from Geisenheim University in Germany, recognise both flavour and technical precision.
Thatchers Cider, based at Myrtle Farm in Sandford, has won four medals at the Cider World Awards 2025.
Thatchers Katy remains a popular, widely available choice across the UK.
Martin Thatcher, fourth generation cidermaker, said: “An award like this is the pride of cider makers around the world, and we are thrilled to have brought home not just one but four medals this year. It’s fantastic to see the culmination of four generations of expertise recognised on a global stage.
“These awards look for technical excellence and authentic flavours that are true to the varietal character of the apples. This year was one of the most fiercely contested competitions, with some astoundingly good entries from across the world – which makes these medals even more meaningful to us as a family.”
Thatchers “Katy” received high praise from the judges of the event, who described it as “perfect”
Paul Ross, one of the team of expert cider makers at Thatchers Cider, said: “Thatchers Katy is a wonderfully delicate cider that requires gentle and precise handling to protect the intricate flavours that are so unique to the Katy apple.
“It’s unprecedented to produce a single variety cider of this quality and at scale, which means it’s always a fun challenge as a cider maker to ensure perfection in every drop.”
Two of Thatchers’ exclusive Cider Barn range also took home medals, with Thatchers Heritage and Thatchers Oak-Aged Redstreak awarded Gold and Silver respectively. The specially crafted dual-variety blend of Porters Perfection & Vilberie was also awarded a Gold medal.
“An award like this is the pride of cider makers around the world, and we are thrilled to have brought home not just one but four medals this year,” said Martin Thatchers, fourth generation cider maker
Thatchers Cider grows some 458 varieties of apples and recently opened an orchard on Mendip Hills with 13,000 apple trees.
Thatchers are member of the Bristol24/7 Better Business network, an initiative to help businesses thrive while creating a positive impact on Bristol and the people who live here. As part of their membership, businesses can publish member news stories like this. For more information, visit my.bristol247.com/better-business
All photos: Thatchers
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