Taunton Cider Company
| Company type | Private limited company (since April 1921) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cider manufacturing |
| Predecessor | Cooperative of local farmers (cider production began 1805) |
| Founded | 1911 |
| Founder | Reverend Cornish and cooperative of local farmers |
| Defunct | 1995 (original company) |
| Fate | Purchased by Matthew Clark plc |
| Successor | Matthew Clark plc (now part of Gaymers Cider Company) |
| Headquarters | Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton , England, United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom (nationwide marketing from 1950s) |
Key people | Reverend Cornish (founder) |
| Products | Blackthorn Cider, Diamond White, Red Rock, Taunton Original, Autumn Gold, Miller Genuine Draft lager (UK marketing) |
Number of employees | Approximately 550 (1980s) (1980s) |
| Website | www |
The Taunton Cider Company was a cider manufacturer located in Norton Fitzwarren, close to Taunton in Somerset, England. It gained prominence for creating and producing Blackthorn Cider, a brand currently produced by Gaymer Cider Company, a division of the Irish firm C&C Group plc.
Origin
Cider production at Norton Fitzwarren began in 1805 through a cooperative of local farmers. By the early twentieth century, Reverend Cornish started crafting cider using apples and pulp sourced locally at Heathfield Rectory. In 1911, he collaborated with the cooperative to found the "Taunton Cider Company," aiming to commercialize their cider.
After World War I
The company initially focused on non-carbonated cider stored in traditional wooden barrels, with distribution confined mainly to public houses around Taunton. It became a private limited company in April 1921. Despite obstacles such as the 1923 Purchase Tax on cider, the original recipe remained unchanged. The adoption of pasteurisation during the 1950s prolonged product shelf life, facilitating nationwide marketing and enabling the acquisition of regional competitors including Quantock Vale, Ashford Vale, Bruttons, and Horrells.
The 1980s
During the 1980s, Taunton Cider ranked as the second-largest cider producer in the UK after H. P. Bulmer, employing approximately 550 workers at its Norton Fitzwarren facility and producing around 30 million gallons yearly. Its product range featured the flagship Blackthorn Cider (varieties such as Original, Dry, Sweet, Special Vat, Cool), Diamond White; Red Rock; and draught-exclusive Taunton Original. Autumn Gold, a sweet cider, was available nationally in draught form as well as cans and bottles. Additionally, the company marketed Miller Genuine Draft lager in the UK through a partnership with Miller Brewing Company.
The 1990s
In 1995, Taunton Cider was purchased by beverages company Matthew Clark plc for £256 million. Matthew Clark has since become part of Gaymers Cider Company.
Revival
The company was re-established in 2016 with operations based in Churchstanton. In 2017, it moved back to central Taunton.
In that same year, the revitalized company received multiple honors including a diploma from the British Bottlers Institute, bronze medals at both the British Cider Championships and International Cider Awards, and a Highly Commended award at the Taste of the West Awards. It was also nominated for Best Launch at the Beer and Cider Marketing Awards and shortlisted for Best New Business at the Somerset Business Awards.
In June 2023, the company entered Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation.