Champagne boss joins cider maker

Nick James recently retired from his role as managing director of Pol Roger, the UK subsidiary of famous Champagne house Champagne Pol Roger, which also represents high end cognac brand Hine and Scotch whisky Glenfarclas.

Now he has been named as the new chairman of Oldfields Orchard Worcestershire ciders, based just outside Tenbury Wells.

"I'm delighted to be involved at the start of this exciting new cider venture," Mr James said.

"I have been very impressed by the team's commitment to growing the best cider apples, milling, pressing, fermenting, blending and distributing them themselves.

"Although I am now retired I hope to have a hands on role helping out as a fresh pair eyes and useful sounding board for the future."

The Lambswick Drinks Company is based at Oldfields Farm near Tenbury Wells and is sister company to multi-award winning Shropshire brewer, Hobsons Brewery.

Co-director Geoff Thompson from Oldfields has been supplying hops to Hobsons for 20 years, and his family has been making cider from their own orchards for 50 years.

"We're really pleased Nick is joining our team," Mr Thompson said.

"He has a wealth of experience and his friendly advice is enormously appreciated."

The team produced their first bottled cider under the Oldfields Orchard label in 2014 and in 2015 is extended the range to include a new keg cider to be known simply as 'Oldfields'.

The brewery extended its range to incorporate cider in response to growth in the market for the apple-based drink over recent years.

Off-trade cider sales grew by nine per cent in value in 2013, while specialist and craft ciders grew in sales volume by 18 per cent and in value by 28 per cent during the same period.

Mr James's interest in craft cider stems back to his roots in nearby north Herefordshire, a famous cider making region, as well as his strong affection for locally made produce.