Image: Barny Butterfield, owner and founder of Sandford Orchards (left), with new sales director Richard Smith

 

Devon-based cider producer Sandford Orchards has announced the appointment of Richard Smith as sales director.

 

Smith has extensive experience in the drinks industry, having previously worked with brands including Sharp’s and Dartmoor Brewery. 

 

Barny Butterfield, owner and founder, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Richard to Sandford Orchards. I am confident that, with his knowledge, skills and contacts in the trade, he will be a huge asset to the team and key to helping us continue to drive the business forward. His wealth of experience will be invaluable in helping us deliver on our vision for the future.”

 

Smith commented: “I am very excited to be joining such a dynamic and well-respected business which has continued to demonstrate success during some of the toughest times for our industry. I am looking forward to sharing my business expertise with their fantastic team to ensure that sales of Sandford Orchards’ award-winning, authentic cider continue to reach even greater heights.”

 

Sandford Orchards said that Smith will be a central figure in the company’s growth plans. “Whilst others in our sector have seen a continual decline in sales, we are consistently outperforming the market,” said Butterfield, “Richard’s appointment is part of our plan to keep growing.”

 

Sandford Orchards won gold at the World Cider Awards 2022 for its ‘prosecco-style’ cider Katja.