St Austell Brewery has signed a new 10-year deal with fellow Westcountry drinks brand, Thatchers Cider. The two companies have been working in close partnership since 2002.
As part of the new, long-term strategic deal, St Austell Brewery will stock Thatchers cider in its managed pubs, from the Isles of Scilly to Bath. Thatchers will also continue to be a key drinks partner for publicans across the company’s 122-strong leased and tenanted estate.
As the South West’s leading wholesale drinks distributor, Thatchers brands are also widely available to St Austell Brewery’s 3,000+ free trade customers across the region.
Kevin Georgel, Chief Executive, St Austell Brewery said:
“We’re delighted be continuing our longstanding partnership with Thatchers by signing this new 10-year deal. It’s a fellow family-owned drinks company, which shares many of our values."
“Working collaboratively with other businesses in our region, and building strong long-term relationships, is something which has always been important to us. It’s fantastic to continue supporting one another by growing Thatchers’ Westcountry distribution whilst bolstering our drinks portfolio and cider offer for pub guests and wholesale customers.”
Martin Thatcher, fourth generation cider maker, said:
“Working in partnership with St Austell Brewery just makes sense; we share our values, roots and commitment to giving customers a great experience. This 10-year deal, which may seem short in comparison to the combined 292 years of family expertise our companies have, is a testament to our shared commitment to collaboration and sustainability. We look forward to raising a glass in a St Austell pub to celebrate!”
Thatcher’s cider has been made on Myrtle Farm in Somerset since 1904.
A family business just like St Austell Brewery, they’re on their fourth generation dedicated to its craft with a fifth already learning the craft.
St Austell Brewery was founded by Walter Hicks in 1851. It remains an independent, family-owned business 172 years later. The company’s range of award-winning beers - including Tribute pale ale, Proper Job IPA and korev lager - are available in pubs and supermarkets nationwide.
The business owns over 160 pubs, inns, and hotels across the West Country - including managed houses and leased and tenanted sites. It also operates two breweries, in St Austell and Warmley, near Bath.