Frosty Jack’s Cider has revealed new branding to recruit new drinkers to the brand. The new contemporary design marks the latest development in a year of transformation for Frosty Jack’s as Aston Manor, the producer, looks to lead the industry with its social and environmental sustainability programme. Earlier this year the company announced it would stop production of its 3-litre PET bottles and switch to…

Gordon Johncox, the chief executive of Aston Manor Cider, has been named as the new chair of the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM). Addressing members of the NACM and attendees at the All-Party Parliamentary Cider Group on September 11, Johncox outlined his vision to ensure a sustainable future for producers, regardless of their size. He called for a fair and balanced regulatory environment for…

French farming cooperative Agrial has purchased Kingstone Press and Frosty Jack’s supplier Aston Manor. Terms of the buyout have not been disclosed, but the deal is estimated at around £100 million. Agrial is France’s largest cider producer and it now plans to create “a global force in cider”. Gordon Johncox, chief executive of Aston Manor Cider, said: “Aston Manor have been looking at strategic options and…

Aston Manor’s sales grew by 4% to £113 million in 2016 and it now believes it offers a breadth of range that is unrivalled in the cider category. The independent cider maker has invested more than £30 million in production capacity and innovation over the past five years and said that strategy is paying off. EBITDA in 2016 stood at £8.2 million and the management…

Aston Manor Cider is the latest producer to move into the popular sharing mini-keg format. The producer has made its Friels First Press Vintage Cider 7.4% available in a 5L mini-keg (rrp: £16), with the aim of tapping into rising consumer interest in premium cider by offering a sharable format in time for the summer. Aston Manor has secured distribution for the format already with…

Aston Manor has announced it plans to increase its investment in its flagship brand, Kingstone Press, following positive growth for the brand and increased distribution across all channels. The cider maker plans to refresh the brand identity with a new design, aimed at flagging up more premium cues and highlighting the brand’s regional provenance. The brand refresh has been prompted by increasing consumer interest in…

Aston Manor Cider is targeting the small-batch premium craft cider market with the launch of Friel’s First Press Vintage. The new product uses the first press of culinary and dessert apple varieties such as Katy, Windsor and Red Falstaff. It is 7.4% ABV and retails at £1.99 for a 33cl bottle. The launch comes as consumers are losing interest in the mainstream cider market. Once…