Finalists – 2024 Family Farming Business of the Year – Sponsored by Goodyear Farm Tires
Established in 2012, Harry's Cider Company has evolved from a small cottage industry into a highly regarded Somerset cider brand. The Fry family manages their own orchards, where they press and ferment cider fruit, producing a range of award-winning craft ciders sold directly from the farm, at events, and through nationwide distribution. Alongside the cider business, they operate as Littlefield Farm Partnership, focusing on growing cider fruit, low-input cattle grazing, and implementing a small countryside stewardship scheme to enhance habitats for pollinators.
The family dynamic (all directors) includes Harry Fry as Managing Director, overseeing logistics and branding, while his son Toby manages production, events, and social media. Alison Chapman plays a pivotal role in the business, handling accounts, cider duty, pricing, sales, and promotional activities. Together, they are supported by a dedicated team of three responsible for sales, customer management, and production. The cider business began as a diversification from traditional agriculture, allowing the family to add value to the existing orchard planted by Harry's father in the 1970s, which had previously supplied another cidermaker.
Since launching, Harry's Cider has grown significantly, and when asked they said, “an accolade such as this provides us all with great encouragement”. Their customer base includes local pubs, restaurants, and national retailers, with online sales and international exports to countries like Finland and Japan. The family is about to embark on building a new cider shop and visitor centre, which will further enhance their operations and engage the community through tours and educational initiatives.
Facing challenges such as increased capacity and market volatility, the Fry family has adapted their strategies to maximise sales and minimise risks. They are committed to sustainability, sourcing local materials and implementing eco-friendly practices, ensuring a positive impact on both the environment and their cider business.
You can view all of the 2024 Family Farming Business of the Year finalists here.