Hunts Cider
'tis proper Devon cider!
Who are Hunts Cider?
Hunts Cider can be found nestled in the rolling hills of the South Devon countryside, with its 18 acres of apple trees and over 200 years of history.
A family business in the truest sense of the word, it is now being run by 8th generation cider makers, brother and sister duo Richard and Annette Hunt (with some advice from their Dad along the way). Richard and Annette decided to work with us after seeing the advice we gave their parents.
The company featured on BBC’s Countryfile to showcase the resurgence of cider making in the region.
The business is going from strength to strength, producing half a million litres of cider each year which is worlds apart from when their grandparents used to produce 9,000 litres annually and sell their cider from the kitchen window!
Times have changed
The distribution model has also changed quite dramatically since then, now selling predominantly to pubs and retailers throughout the South West of England as well as to customers buying online and at their shop on site in Stoke Gabriel near the River Dart.
Annette tells the story that neither she nor Richard really considered the family business when they were younger; both pursuing different careers before gravitating home. However, their early careers have helped them now that they are running the family business.
Richard started his career as a professional rugby player and this insight into team sports helps with managing their team of staff.
Annette studied food at university and then worked for Tesco’s head office and Samworth brothers, as well as working on a cattle station in Australia for two years.
Annette explains that when she first started working in the business, she used her retail experience concentrating on getting their products into retail outlets as whilst pubs are more profitable, they do come hand in hand with more complex arrangements. Having the retail outlets in place was also been a lifeline to the business throughout the Covid lockdown.
Behind the scenes at Hunts Cider
Forward thinking
Whilst Covid has had a certain impact, they have been luckier than some. Annette comments:
“The pubs having to shut was a massive thing for us but we have been incredibly lucky that local people got behind us having home deliveries which definitely kept the show on the road.
“What’s more, when the pubs reopened, the same customers have gone into the local pubs and told them that they should stock our cider as they have enjoyed it throughout lockdown. That gives us the leverage to go into more places and follow up on enquiries, so that’s definitely been a positive point coming from it. We’re feeling very grateful.”
Cider can be a seasonal product but Hunts are soon to launch some winter lines which is exciting for the business. They would also like to be a tourist destination, and to increase the distribution of their products.
Andrew Squires, partner at PKF Francis Clark added: “It’s been great working with the Hunt family to support them and help them grow their business.
“They are a hard-working family and a classic example of clients who require an holistic approach from us. We interpret financial information to advise not only on tax but on more general commercial matters too.
“Decisions made now have an impact over many years to come and are key to maintaining business through future generations. Their reputation and reach continues to grow and I like many others, am always delighted to purchase excellent cider made locally, as so much of what’s offered often comes from so far away.”