Thatchers Cider has responded to growing demand by planting 25,000 new apple trees this spring.

The Sandford-based firm says it is responding to supermarkets and consumers which are demanding ‘authenticity’ from what is on the shelves.

Managing director Martin Thatcher said: “There’s a real recognition by the national supermarkets that shoppers want to purchase cider brands that offer authenticity.

“We’ve been making cider at Myrtle Farm for four generations – you can have no more genuine heritage than that.

“The ciders that we produce are done so with a passion for a consistently high quality and great taste, and as a result they’re in rising demand up and down the country.”

All staff from Thatchers donned boots and got their hands dirty this spring to plant the new trees, which are being sited on both new land and within existing orchards in Sandford.

Mr Thatcher added: “This year we’re planting 25,000 new trees. It’s always an exciting time of year when many of our Myrtle Farm-based staff help out in the orchards. This spring we’ve been aided by the mild and dry weather.

“We’ve been planting two of our favourite apple varieties this year. Dabinett, which we use in a number of our ciders, is a classic cider apple that brings richness and body.

“The second is Jonagold, which is a sweet dessert apple that our cider makers love for its crispness.”

A new orchard takes approximately seven years to mature and trees are fruitful for around 40 years, which is a ‘commitment to the future’ according to Mr Thatcher.

He added: “The contribution that the cider industry makes to the rural economy through its orchards is significant.

“Planting orchards now is a long-term commitment for the future and a responsibility that we here at Thatchers take seriously.”