Barny Butterfield, founder of Crediton-based, award-winning cider producer, Sandford Orchards was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to the Cider Industry at the Royal Bath & West Show last month. This recognises his tireless efforts to secure the future of authentic cider making for generations to come.
James Crowden, author and judge at The Royal Bath & West explains: “Barny Butterfield has, over many years, given sterling services to the cider industry and given Devon cider the boost that it desperately needed to get back on its feet again.”
The award recognises not only Barny’s work at Sandford Orchards, but also his wider contribution to the cider industry over many years. From mentoring emerging producers, to collaborating openly with fellow makers and helping drive forward projects such as the DNA work with the University of Bristol to identify and preserve lost apple varieties.
James continues: “The most important work that Barny has done over the last decade has been the research work into old Devon cider orchards, lost varieties and hidden gems of the countryside that he has, with the help of others, re-discovered and re-identified. Bristol University and Prof Keith Edwards were also a vital part of the enterprise helping with the DNA research. Many varieties were unknown and thus new to Devon cider science. Barny’s passion and zeal in this department deserve greater recognition, which is why the Royal Bath & West Orchards and Cider Committee decided to give Barny a lifetime award, even though he is still a relative youngster!”
Barny is a true cider evangelist and is always looking for opportunities to safeguard the future of proper cider for everyone’s benefit, not just Sandford Orchards. As such, he has previously served as Chair of South West Cider Makers Association and is the incoming Chair of the National Association of Cider Makers. He also set up and runs the Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards, which provide invaluable support for fledgling cidermakers.
Barny says: “The reason we’ve been able to grow Sandford Orchards from a hobby into a credible and growing business, one that is currently outperforming the category, is because I’ve always built a team of people who are genuinely passionate and knowledgeable about cider. That’s what has enabled us to grow organically, year on year, while maintaining our integrity and authenticity.”
He continues: “I’d like to think I’m part of a chain of cider makers stretching back hundreds of years. None of us could do what we do today without the incredible orchards, knowledge and techniques handed down by previous generations. Projects like the work we’re doing with the University of Bristol are about preserving that knowledge for the future.”
With Barny’s son Elliott now working in the business and learning the craft, and youngest son Alfie keen to follow, that knowledge and passion is already being handed down. It’s exciting to think about where the next generation might take it.
Founded in 2002, independent, family-owned Sandford Orchards is based in Crediton, Mid Devon in the oldest working cider mill in the UK. Combining tradition and innovation, Sandford Orchards produces an award-winning range of core session, traditional, fine and fruit ciders.
For further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on X, Facebook and Instagram.
