The UK’s largest independent cider maker, Aston Manor, has been recognised by the award of the highest possible rating for its apple pressing and processing facility in Stourport following an on-site audit.

The AA rating was granted to the purpose-built site by certification body, BRC Global Standards, for outstanding food and drink safety standards.

The result follows a programme of ongoing investment at the site since it began pressing and processing apples three years ago.

A series of multi-million pound investments have been made to increase capacity and sustainability at Stourport. One of the major investments for the business was a unique and entirely self-contained system that uses the River Severn to cool the apple pressing process whilst dramatically reducing the site’s impact on the environment.

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 of their four sites in support of wider company growth.

The award-winning cider maker, renowned for its broad portfolio of quality ciders, has three production sites in the Midlands; apple pressing and processing in Stourport, warehousing and logistics based in Witton and packaging in Aston. A further packaging and production facility is located in Tiverton, Devon. The facilities in Aston and Tiverton have also previously been inspected by BRC Global and were awarded top marks.

Paul Clifford, site director at Aston Manor, said: “We are thrilled with the accreditation from the BRC audit at Stourport. This is really an exceptional result for a relatively new site in its first audit – it’s the best possible outcome.

“We pride ourselves on having top quality facilities that support the business in its long-term plans for growth and in turn help support employment the region. To ensure the site’s continued success, we’re always looking for new ways to help improve sustainability and increase efficiency.”

A vital part of the cider production process, Aston Manor collects its apples from orchards in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and takes them to Stourport to be pressed.

Aston Manor Cider has recently planted an additional 1,000 acres of new orchards, adding around 400,000 new trees to the landscape to support its future needs. Increasing capacity and capability at the Stourport site is a vital element of the long-term plan of the business.