Cornish Orchards gain confidence with SALSA

Cornish Orchards creates award-winning, premium ciders and fruit juices, using traditional craft practices, produced to modern, and exacting standards. Based at Westnorth Manor Farm, part of the Duchy of Cornwall Estate, Cornish Orchards presses, blends and bottles apple and other fruit juices, ciders and ginger beer using as many local or British ingredients as possible, using the spring water from their own farm. All their products are free from artificial flavourings, colours and sweeteners and their ciders and soft drinks are suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Founder Andy Atkinson, arrived with his herd of dairy cattle at Westnorth Manor in 1992.  Drawing motivation from Cornwall Council’s project to save and rejuvenate traditional apple orchards, Andy planted three orchards on the farm and soon had the largest collections of Cornish apple varieties in the county.  Enthused by the intriguing flavours of his crop, Andy juiced and blended the apples and took the juice to a local farmers’ market where it quickly sold out.  In 2000, Andy took the leap to diversify from dairy farming to juice and cider making and hasn’t looked back.

Cornish Orchards first joined SALSA in 2014, looking to explore opportunities to supply new national buyers, recognised that SALSA approval was the ideal requirement for their type and size of business.  The company selected the ‘Package Extra’ option which includes a day’s SALSA Mentoring at a discounted rate.  ‘Our SALSA mentor was extremely helpful. He offered sound, practical guidance reassuring us that we had everything in place for our audit,’ comments Louise Barriball, HSE and Quality Supervisor.  The company had a very successful audit and have been flying the flag for the second year running.  Louise adds, ‘We’re very proud to gain SALSA approval.  We’ve all worked hard to ensure we meet the very high standards; it’s a true testament to the commitment of all the team.  The recommendations made by our auditor, supported by the detailed guidance offered by SALSA, have enabled the company to develop an excellent, robust food safety management system.’

Cornish Orchards have a team of over 30 staff producing juice and cider for a thirsty UK market.  The extensive range includes the International Award Winning Gold cider, an Orange and Lemon Sparkle, an Elderflower Pressé and a Wassail Mulled Cider, all available online and throughout the UK – Louise is delighted with their growing success. ‘Gaining SALSA approval provides a recognised food safety certification, giving confidence to Cornish Orchards.  I would highly recommend the approval process to small businesses looking to take their product to the next level.’

For more information about Cornish Orchards please see the SALSA Directory or visit their website: http://www.cornishorchards.co.uk/