New Chaplin & Cork’s Somerset ciders unveiled

The Shepton Mallet Cider Mill, part of the C&C Group, has launched a range of speciality ciders named after the master cider makers who created them over 20 years ago, Bob Chaplin and Bob Cork. 

The new range is the result of a quest by the pair to produce a craft cider using fresh pressed apple juice that would “surpass all others”. Until now, the cider, known as batch number 417, had only been enjoyed by friends of Chaplin & Cork’s.

“This cider was simply too good to keep to ourselves,” says brand manager for Chaplin & Cork’s, Holly Chadwick. “People are looking for brands with an engaging personality and something to believe in and we have a great story to tell here.”

“Ultimately this exciting new range is about quality and innovation, just like its creators, and as such we believe Chaplin & Cork’s will appeal to the more discerning cider drinker that is willing to pay more for speciality brands. Consumer demand for speciality ciders is on the increase and particularly those offering a premium proposition.”

The specialist and craft segment boosted cider volume by 18% and value by 28% last year alone, a trend set to continue as customers trade up their drinks choices (source CGA Strategy, April 2014). With consumer confidence at its highest peak for six years, premium products will remain in high demand within the cider sector as more customers seek out quality new products like Chaplin & Cork’s that can boast of strong heritage (source: Nielsen Scantrack, 1 November 2013).

The new premium speciality range comes in two variants, Somerset Gold (5.2% ABV) a full- bodied medium cider and Somerset Reserve (6.8% ABV) a rich medium dry cider. A third variant is planned for later in the year.

Chaplin & Cork’s is already listed in Waitrose stores nationally and The Shepton Mallet Cider Mill will continue to drive distribution through key off trade channels throughout the UK, as well as exploring opportunities to gain new distribution of Somerset Gold within targeted on trade outlets. 

The range is available in 500ml glass bottle and in 8x500ml case and is now available to off trade stockists.  

Somerset Gold is intense yet well balanced with a bitter sweet character. Made from the fresh juice of the finest English cider apples, this is a beautifully elegant cider.

Somerset Reserve is a medium dry cider, clear and bright, with a rich and well-rounded taste. Made from the fresh juice from the finest English cider apples, this is a full and crisp tasting cider. 

The Shepton Mallet Cider Mill is a trading division of the C&C Group and is responsible for the sales and marketing of Blackthorn, Ye Olde English, Ye Olde English 1770, Addlestones, Natch, K, Red C, Taunton Traditional, Special VAT, Chaplin & Cork’s, and Montano.

31 May 2014 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor