The crowning glory was ‘Malvern Gold’ being nominated as the World’s Best (still) Cider for an unprecedented third year running.

Multiple Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards were secured for leading brands ‘Friels’ and ‘Kingstone Press’ as part of a record haul of 12 awards for ciders produced for major retailers as well as Aston Manor brands. No other UK cider maker registered more than three winners.

In the design competition, three further Bronze Awards were won for different products across the Kingstone Press and Friels ranges.

Chief Executive Gordon Johncox said: “We are delighted to have again won several awards – particularly with ‘Malvern Gold’ being declared the World’s Best (still) Cider for a remarkable third year in a row.

“These results are our best ever and we are thrilled that the expert judges have recognised the quality across our portfolio from mainstream to premium and in both brands and exclusive label ciders.”

In the same World Cider Awards, Écusson, a cider made by Eclor in France, also won a ‘World’s Best’ accolade as well as two Gold and a Silver award. Both Aston Manor Cider and Eclor are part of the drinks division of the Agrial Agricultural Cooperative.

This latest recognition for the Midlands-based business comes just a few days after being celebrated as the Large Manufacturer of the Year at the ‘Made in the Midlands’ Award.

A track record of consistent investment over several years has delivered a large number of product quality and business awards.

With a clear focus on becoming more sustainable, the recognition for Aston Manor includes being identified as one of the most sustainable businesses in the alcohol industry at The Drinks Business Green Awards 2019.

The business invests in an extensive sustainability agenda and is committed to reducing its environmental impact.  As part of the programme, the cider maker switched to 51% recycled content in all large pack (PET) plastic bottles, a first for the alcoholic drinks industry, which will save approximately 1,000 tonnes of raw material annually.

The most recent stage of Aston Manor’s programme has seen the cider maker install an eco-card packing machine to replace shrink wrap and plastic rings with card equivalents for its multipack canned ciders.

Gordon Johncox said: “We have been making great strides with our sustainability agenda for a number of years now, so it is fantastic to be recognised as one of the best businesses in the drinks industry for our commitment to the environment.

“Throughout the business everyone is excited to develop and deliver more progress with our sustainability agenda. We are working hard to introduce even more industry leading initiatives that have a lasting impact.”