Posted: 28th May 2021
NEW PARTNERSHIP BLOSSOMS BETWEEN TWO KENTISH FAMILY BUSINESSES
A shared passion for Kentish produce has led to a new partnership between Faversham-based brewer and pub operator Shepherd Neame and cidermaker Kentish Pip, based just outside Canterbury.
Both Kentish Pip and Shepherd Neame are long-established independent family businesses, using locally sourced ingredients to create their award-winning ranges of ciders and beers. Kentish Pip is based at Woolton Farm in Bekesbourne, where the Mount Family has been growing apples for four generations. The majority of apples used in their craft ciders are sourced from their own farm, along with some from a handful of trusted local growers in Kent and Sussex. Shepherd Neame is Britain’s oldest brewer, dating back more than 300 years, and its Chief Executive Jonathan Neame is the fifth generation of his family to run the business. More than 80 per cent of the hops used in Shepherd Neame’s beers are sourced from Kent’s iconic gardens, along with the finest malted English barley and the brewery's own artesian mineral water.
The two firms have now teamed up to expand the cider range on offer in Shepherd Neame’s estate. An exclusive edition of Kentish Pip’s classic apple cider Craftsman and the popular berry-flavoured Forager are available on draught and in the fridge for the first time in selected Shepherd Neame pubs and hotels.
(Pictured, right, Kentish Pip Managing Director Sam Mount at Woolton Farm near Canterbury)
Craftsman (4.8% ABV) is Kentish Pip’s original craft cider, appealing to all cider drinkers from the connoisseur to the enthusiast. It is medium dry, combining crisp and aromatic dessert apples with heritage cider varieties, and has been specially formulated for Shepherd Neame at 4.8% ABV; normally it is 5.7% ABV.
Forager (4.0% ABV) combines juicy hedgerow berries with crisp Kentish apple cider to create a berry cider bursting with flavour.
Sam Mount, Managing Director of Kentish Pip said: “The cider market has evolved extensively in recent years with quality and real provenance being key factors that people are looking for. Shepherd Neame has put the customer experience right at the heart of what they do and with Kentish Pip’s focus on innovation whilst using the best ingredients, we see this being an exciting partnership, marrying great Kentish cider with great Kentish pubs.”
Nigel Bunting, Head of Retail and Tenanted Operations at Shepherd Neame said: “We are constantly working to develop our offer to enhance the customer experience, and that includes looking for exciting new opportunities to expand our portfolio. We are proud to partner with local company Kentish Pip and introduce their award-winning range of craft ciders to our estate.”
About Kentish Pip:
It all starts with apples. Kentish Pip is based at Woolton Farm near Canterbury, where the Mount Family has been growing apples for four generations. Our products are a window into the lifestyle and ethos of our family business: working with nature and never satisfied to settle for second best.
We’re a small team with a big ambition: challenge the status quo, push aside the mediocre and reignite your love affair with cider. Cider is a story of people, places, variety and discovery, a rich heritage, diverse culture and a bright future. We combine the best ingredients with innovation, style and a pinch of tradition so you can discover beyond your cider expectations.
For further information about Kentish Pip visit www.kentishpip.co.uk
About Shepherd Neame:
Britain’s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 400 years. Perhaps best known for great British classic ales such as Spitfire, which carries the Royal Warrant, its diverse portfolio includes Five Grain Lager, the Bear Island Collection and the Whitstable Bay Collection. It also brews international lagers under licence including Samuel Adams Boston Lager, and is the sole UK distributor for premium Thai lager Singha. The independent family business boasts an award-winning visitor centre and more than 300 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline.
For further information about Shepherd Neame please contact Brand Manager Rose Davis on 01795 542192 or email [email protected] or visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk