The UK’s largest independent cider maker, Aston Manor, has been recognised for having the highest food and drink safety standards at every one of its production facilities.

Completing its line-up of top ratings, Aston Manor’s packaging site in Aston was recently awarded a AA* – the highest possible grading – by certification body, BRC Global Standards, following an unannounced on-site audit that lasted two days. The result mirrors the success of Aston Manor’s production and packaging facility in Tiverton, Devon which also has a AA* rating.

Just two weeks earlier, the cider maker’s fruit pressing and processing facility in Stourport-on-Severn was given the highest marks (AA) for a pre-arranged inspection.  

The award-winning cider maker, renowned for its broad portfolio of quality ciders, now has a complete set of top marks from BRC Global Standards for all three of its production sites.

Aston Manor Cider is continuing to invest in its processing and production facilities, and recently announced a further £3m would be spent to increase capacity and capability. The investments will improve sustainability at each sites in support of wider company growth.

Gordon Johncox, managing director at Aston Manor Cider, said: “We are really delighted with this recognition for our production sites. We were only recently given the great news about our facility in Stourport and now we have all three sites with top marks. It’s a reflection of the high standards of the business and the hard work and dedication of our people.

“We dedicate significant investment in our production sites to continue to develop our operations and ensure they work as efficiently and effectively as possible.

“It’s important the sites have the capacity and capability to support the business in its long-term plans for growth. To ensure our continued success and to make a more positive impact where we are based, we’re always looking for new ways to help improve sustainability and increase efficiency.”

Dedicated exclusively to producing cider, Aston Manor also has orchards in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The orchards have recently been expanded by 1,000 acres, adding a total of 400,000 new trees to the landscape by 2018 to support the growth and development of the business and its brands.