A HEREFORDSHIRE cider company has struck a £4 million deal with regional growers to secure more apples for its harvest.

Westons Cider has announced it will have more cider apples than ever for this years' harvest, as part of its continued plan for long-term growth.

This follows the company landing a big contract with national pub chain Wetherspoons last year for Stowford Press kegs to be located in all of its locations around the country.

The family-run company employs 250 people at its mill in Much Marcle and has a turnover of £82.8 million.

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It sources all its apples from within 50 miles of its home across the three counties of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

Following a record 12 months for the cider maker, in which Westons became the UK’s fastest growing producer, an increasingly abundant crop has been secured this autumn, which will keep the mill busier than ever from late September to November.

As a result of the hot and dry summer, cider apples this year are expected to be smaller and sweeter, which is perfect for making Westons Cider’s range of ciders.

It now has agreements in place to acquire £4 million worth of cider apples from more than 180 growers.

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The harvested apples will be collected and pressed between September and November to be used to create ciders including Old Rosie, Mortimer’s Orchard and Rosie’s Pig.

Darryl Hinksman, head of business development at Westons, said: "Cider making is an important part of our regional identity and we’re incredibly proud to have been contributing to the success of the industry for more than 140 years.

"This year, we’re delighted to be sourcing more apples than ever from across Herefordshire and our neighbouring counties of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, supporting the environment and our thriving rural economy.

"Our extensive network and wonderful local community are essential support for us when it comes to making our quality ciders, which are seeing huge growth around the UK."