Family business takes its cider from Somerset to global audience, via Heathrow

Traditional cider maker Harry’s Cider is taking the taste of Somerset to a global audience. 

The family run company produces premium ciders from its farm adjoining the Somerset levels and is enjoying fast growing success in the UK drinks market, supplying its range of bag-in-box and bottled ciders to regional wine outlets, farm shops, pubs, restaurants and local supermarkets in Somerset and beyond.

It is also the cider of choice at Heston Blumental’s Perfectionist’s Cafe at the Queen’s Terminal, Heathrow. 

Harry’s Cider is now attracting attention from international distributors who have been quick to capitalise on the growing appetite for traditionally produced ciders. 

Keen to make the most of the opportunity to take its products to a wider audience, Harry’s Cider approached the Department for International Trade (DIT) for help and guidance. 

Harry Fry, founder of Harry’s Ciders said: “The growth in demand for traditionally produced ciders has now spread beyond the UK and although some countries, including France and the US, do have their own ciders, there is definitely a real interest in the flavours produced from traditional UK varieties of apples like those in our orchards.

“We’ve been working with DIT over the last few months to identify the best route to market for our products.  We’ve attended a number of extremely useful seminars and have also joined the local beer and cider cluster which has given us the chance to share experiences and knowledge with other producers.  

“We’ve already supplied some cider to an independent outlet in Holland and are currently looking at opportunities in Spain, Russia and France.” 

Harry’s Cider was founded by Harry Fry in 2012.  The cider is made from pressing apples grown in the orchard planted by his father in the 1970’s, and carefully blending them to produce the best cider possible.

Harry has more recently been joined in the business by his son Toby, who has had great success in developing social media channels for the business.  

“The DIT has been a great source of information, and we are always given careful, thoughtful advice.  They are a great asset to any business looking to make the most of their export potential.”  

Harry’s Cider is one of a number of food and drink producers in the region that have boosted their export potential by taking advantage of the support offered by Department for International Trade (DIT) via its Exporting is Great campaign (www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk), a government initiative to consolidate the export support available to companies.  

Hilary Charman, DIT adviser, Somerset said: “Harry’s Cider is a wonderful family business.  The whole family is committed to making the best possible product and taking that to the widest possible audience.  We are delighted to be on board as they start their export journey.”