Westons Cider – the UK’s leading authentic cidermaker – has unveiled a bold new identity for its iconic Stowford Press, setting the stage for fresh growth across the on-trade.
Family-owned since 1880, Westons Cider remains one of the UK’s most respected cider makers – a company where time-honoured craft meets modern momentum. From its rural mill in Much Marcle, Herefordshire, Westons continues to set the standard for premium cider across the on-trade, delivering quality and authenticity in every sip as well as value in every pour.
For 145 years, Westons has stayed true to its roots, crafting cider from 100% locally-sourced apples, all pressed, fermented, and matured on site. Its production methods stand out for all the right reasons, as the only producer of scale to use the fresh juice model for cidermaking, leading to a purer and more authentic fruit flavour. Its ciders are matured for longer than others, including time in traditional oak vats, adding to the character and depth of flavour. And Westons is continuing to support this heritage craft, as home to the UK’s largest cider vat collection.
This long and respected legacy has culminated in two hero brands which cater to today’s diverse venues and drinkers: Henry Westons Vintage, the UK’s number one cider SKU in the off trade, and the newly revamped, refreshingly real Stowford
HENRY WESTONS VINTAGE
The crafted sub-sector of the cider category continues to grow as drinkers are looking to drink less but better and seek out brands delivering authenticity in every drop. And it’s Henry Westons leading the charge.
Now the UK’s fastest-growing draught apple cider, it also boasts an impressive retail price of £6.19 per pint – £2.05 above the draught apple category average – delivering profits in every pint for pubs and bars.
STOWFORD PRESS
Stowford Press Apple is a huge crowd-pleaser. Commanding the highest RSP in the draught apple category, it’s a real testament to how consumers are willing to trade up for better quality they know will deliver.
Stowford’s fresh new look strengthens its premium positioning with bold branding designed to stand out on the bars, enticing new drinkers while still keeping loyalists happy. Striking new tap handles, font lenses, distinctive POS plus colourful glasses, mean Stowford Press is now unmissable.
THE CIDER MARKET
The two drivers of the cider market are apple – making up two-thirds of all on-trade sales and draught making up 76% of the cider category. So, when it comes to stocking the bar, it’s important to focus on what will drive purchase time and again. As the cider market continues to premiumise, stocking more crafted options is the best route to success. It’s here where the Westons portfolio really shines.
With most venues stocking one or two ciders on draught, the combination of Stowford Press – as a fantastic premium option – and Henry Westons – a more crafted option, for those looking for something more special – will keep your customers happy.
This versatility is what makes Westons so valuable to the trade. The company understands the modern pub landscape, where a strong range will drive both rate of sale and brand perception. With Westons, operators can confidently pour products that match evolving drinker preferences while maintaining authenticity at every turn. Westons’ dedication to craft has won a loyal following, standing out for doing things properly – with care, conviction, and consistency. These are values that resonates deeply in the ontrade, where authenticity drives choice and quality earns repeat custom.
CATEGORY LEADERSHIP
With two multi-million brands in Henry Westons and Stowford Press, Westons is a driving force in today’s on trade cider category – currently valued at £2B and growing 2% YOY. With cider’s popularity on the bar showing no signs of waning, Westons is continuing to invest in its Herefordshire site to keep up with demand, installing £5M fermentation tanks earlier this year to expand capacity – all while maintaining the most traditional way of making cider.
Creating a mill fit for the future remains a top priority. With a commitment to be industry leading when it comes to CO2 reduction, the cider producer is on a mission to reduce its emissions by 46% by 2030. To do this, Westons has already increased its use of solar panels (up 300% in the last year) saving 60 tonnes of CO2 – the equivalent of boiling 4 million cups of tea. What’s more, it’s two newest cider presses run entirely off renewable energy and, in 2023, 72 tonnes of carboard were removed from packaging.
INVESTMENT IN SCOTLAND
While cider’s traditional heartland has always been thought of as the south-west of England, Scotland has huge potential. In Westons’ 2025 Cider Report, draught apple sales were up 6.1 ppts in Scotland compared to 2024, showing strong appetite.
Westons is now actively increasing its presence in a strategic move to deepen engagement, increase partnerships, and grow visibility among Scottish operators and drinkers alike. To support this, Westons plans to recruit further support north of the border, growing its team dedicated to working directly with customers, building distribution, and bringing the Westons story to life across key outlets.
This local investment will ensure that Scottish pubs and bars can access the same quality products and expert support that have made Westons a leader nationwide. The company’s focus on tailored engagement and regional investment reflects its long-term ambition to cement its place as the cider partner of choice for the Scottish on-trade.
- Circana Infoscan 52w/e 4th October 2025
- Henry Westons is growing +29.5% in volume MAT to 09/08/2025, CGA Strategy OPMS