Exported to over 40 countries, but still brewed in Herefordshire 145 years later
Henry Weston came to Herefordshire in 1878, where he brewed a cider for his neighbours that was so good, it’s still leaving an impression 145 years later. Since the birth of this iconic drink, the Westons company has been making cider on-site in Much Marcle Herefordshire ever since. Helen Thomas, Managing Director of Westons, suggests that the success comes from the companies’ employees, as they are “the lifeblood of the business”, each with core strengths in production, hospitality, engineering, sales and marketing and more.
Helen is equally encouraging of the support Westons has received in the area. In particular, she highlighted how instrumental the Chamber of Commerce was in helping the business get equipped for exporting, including learning valuable insights and knowledge about exporting through courses provided by the Chamber. The company now exports internationally to over 44 countries, directly from their base in Herefordshire.
The beautiful thing about being based in Herefordshire is that there are so many fruit growers here that we are 100% dependent on. Our ciders are entirely made from locally grown apples, so having this infrastructure to the agricultural economy is important to us.
Daryl Hinksman, Head of Business Development, Weston Cider
Finding talent from educational institutes
Westons now has over 300 employees, of which some are seasonal to harvest the fresh fruit to press. Westons says its brilliant tapping into the Herefordshire work force as there is a wealth of individuals who are used to agricultural working. Westons also invests in local talent by partnering with local colleges to develop an induction programme, providing synergy between students who are leaving college and moving into employed work. It’s safe to say that Westons cider has really found a lot of opportunity in Herefordshire.
