Bridgnorth business to sell bottled version of well-known county cider
A Shropshire cider which has become the hallmark of a well-known county pub is to be bottled and offered out for sale after the launch of a new business.
Brother and sister team Peter Jervis and Julia Jackson have launched The Special Cider Company, which will bottle and distribute the cider which is currently only on sale at their parents pub – The Cider House at Quatt.
The duo, who are running the business alongside their respective spouses Tracey and Mark, hope to draw on their experience to grow the business, which will be run from new premises on Bridgnorth's Stanmore Industrial Estate.
Their parents have run the Quatt pub for 30 years, and Mr Jervis and Tracey are also publicans, owning The Green Dragon in Little Stretton. Mrs Jackson's career has been in mobile catering.
The decision to join together and form The Special Cider Company, was in response to demand for the family’s cider which is known for its sweet flavour.
Mr Jervis said: “We’ve known for a long time that our cider is something rather special and it’s what makes our parents’ pub what it is.
"But as we’ve attended more and more high profile events with our mobile bar business, including Silverstone and music concerts, it’s become apparent that there was potential to take it to larger audience through commercial bottling and marketing that could reach pubs, restaurants, supermarkets and specialist retailers across the country.
"And so, The Special Cider Company was born.”
As part of the launch of the new business, the Special Cider Company worked with FBC Manby Bowdler’s commercial property and corporate teams in order to secure their new premises and establish a suitable shareholder framework.
David Raymont from the commercial property team said: “Peter and Julia have grown up with cider as an integral part of their lives so it’s great to see them, along with their spouses, launch The Special Cider Company and to take an already popular product to a wider audience.
“It has been a pleasure to work with them on securing finance for this new venture through Barclays and to support them on the acquisition of the new enterprise’s premises in Bridgnorth.”
Steven West, Barclays Business Manager, added: “The investment in a highly competitive sector demonstrates that funding is readily available for the right proposition supported by a strong management team.”
Whilst The Special Cider Company has an exclusive arrangement with Westons, which brews and bottles the product for them, the new business required its own premises.
Mrs Jackson, who looks after sales and marketing, said: “The interest from across the food, drink and retail sectors nationwide has been incredible and we’ve already secured some major contracts so we have high hopes for continued success.
“To present ourselves in the most professional way possible has meant, of course, that we’ve need dedicated premises for the business. However, other than some additional security and redecoration, we’ve been lucky with the move to Stanmore Industrial Estate as it’s been very straightforward."
