Cider maker Blaengawney Cider is going from strength-to-strength after it received a business grant to buy new equipment.
Based at Blaengawney Farm, Hafodyrynys, Andy and Annie Hallett started their cider making business over six years ago, with a commitment to making cider in the traditional way – no chemicals, sugar or water added to the juice.
Their business needed new equipment for washing and sterilizing bottles prior to filling, so applied to the council for a grant.
Andy Hallett said: “Our Hallets Real Cider is bottled in a returnable brown printed bottle which can be re-used. The new equipment ensures the highest standard of cleanliness and by re-using bottles, we can follow our ethos of minimizing our environmental impact.”
Annie Hallet added: “We are very grateful for the assistance that we have received from the Rural Development Team. The new equipment includes filtration and specialist tanks that will enable our cider making to be faster and safer and also more efficient. The filtration equipment, in particular will open up new markets for us.”
Cllr Ron Davies, cabinet member for regeneration and planning said:“We are delighted to assist the only award-winning cider manufacturer in the county borough.
“Over 80% of the county borough is rural and small businesses such as Blaengawney Cider make an important contribution to the rural economy. I would urge more ‘budding businesses’ to get in touch with the Rural Development Team. Alternatively, you can call into the Grant and Business Support Event on October 12 at Cherry Tree House, Pen-y- Fan Industrial Estate and talk first hand with a member of the team.”
Nice to see Hallett Cider taking advantage and receiving the type of help that Caerffili CBC offer through the regeneration team. They are not the only company to benefit and I am astounded by the diverse business that have been started and are thriving in our county. I for one am looking forward to the Cider festival 2012.