One of Cornwall’s best-known family businesses is celebrating 40 years since moving to its current premises in 1986. Founded by David and Kay Healey in 1980, the family have evolved the business through innovation, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit – growing from a small cyder-making venture into one of the region’s most recognisable brands.
Since moving to Penhallow in 1986, Healeys Cornish Cyder is now Cornwall’s largest, and the UK’s third largest independent cyder maker, producing award-winning cyders, spirits, wines, preserves and soft drinks enjoyed across the UK and beyond.
Managing Director Joe Healey said, “Forty years is a huge milestone for our family and for everyone who has helped make Healeys what it is today. Mum and Dad purchased a derelict farm with no water or electricity. People thought they were nuts, but they saw the potential and carried on anyway. They had a simple ambition – to make great Cornish cyder from the apples grown here on the farm. A lot of hard work, grit and graft has gone into what makes Healeys what it is today. We’re still proudly family-owned, still making our products here in Cornwall and still passionate about creating the very best experiences for everyone who visits us or enjoys a Healeys drink.
“We’ve never stood still. Every decade has brought something new, whether that’s launching Rattler, opening our distillery, producing England’s oldest whiskey, welcoming visitors from around the world or expanding into hospitality with venues that include Gylly Beach Cafe, Fives and the Rattler Beach House.”
Over the past four decades, Healeys has remained true to the vision that inspired David and Kay to plant their first apple trees at the family’s Penhallow farm. Guided by a commitment to quality and family values, the business has continued to evolve, creating new products, experiences and destinations while proudly championing Cornwall every step of the way.
Innovation has always been at the heart of Healeys’ story. From making the first commercial Cornish Cyder back in 1980, to planting more than 12,000 vines at Tregoninny Vineyard near Truro, where Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc grapes are now grown for the Tresor range of Cornish wines in 2018. Earlier, in 2003, Healeys partnered with St Austell Brewery to help bring English whiskey production back after a century, creating Hicks & Healey Cornish Whiskey. Today, the business is home to England’s oldest whiskey, matured for more than two decades. The business has even taken its award winning apple juice, and created a new functional drinks brand ‘Gym Juice’ – watch as this latest innovation evolves.
Healeys has also transformed the family farm into one of Cornwall’s leading visitor attractions. Visitors can explore the cyder-making process, enjoy guided tours and tastings, ride through the orchards on a vintage tractor, meet the farm animals and visit the historic distillery, barrel cellars and jam kitchen. The attraction is also home to the Old Bottlery Restaurant, serving homemade Cornish food and cream teas, and the Rattler Bar, featuring the world’s first Rattler Cyder Wall.
The Healey family name also carries a unique legacy beyond the farm. The Healey family are direct descendants of legendary automotive engineer Donald Healey, creator of the iconic Austin-Healey sports cars, with a collection of classic Healey vehicles proudly displayed at the farm, celebrating a heritage of engineering and craftsmanship that continues today.
Founder and Chairman David Healey said, “When Kay and I started Healeys, we simply wanted to make authentic Cornish cyders and build something our family could be proud of. Forty years later, seeing the next generation leading the business while keeping those same family values alive is incredibly rewarding. The greatest achievement isn’t just the business itself – it’s the people. Our family, our fantastic team, our loyal customers and the thousands of visitors who’ve shared the Healeys journey with us over the years. We’re incredibly grateful for their support.”
Today, Healeys’ orchards are home to more than 3,000 apple trees, with around 2,000 tonnes of apples processed each year. From traditional scrumpy and premium cyders to spirits, wines, juices and preserves, the business continues to champion Cornish craftsmanship across its growing portfolio.
As Healeys marks its 40th anniversary at the farm, the business says its ambition remains as strong as ever – continuing to invest in Cornwall, champion Cornish produce, create memorable visitor experiences and take its family-owned brands to new audiences.
Joe Healey added, “Forty years on, the values my parents built Healeys on remain at the heart of everything we do – family, quality and a passion for Cornwall. They continue to inspire every bottle we make, every experience we create and every step we take as we look ahead to the future.”
Visit healeyscyder.co.uk to find out more.
(Main image – The Healey Family).
