Suffolk firms join forces in UK wide distribution partnership for Aspall Cyder

Molson Coors Beverage Company has awarded a new five-year distribution contract for its super premium Aspall Cyder brand to Suffolk logistics company, Bartrums.

Family owned Bartrums, based in Eye, will be responsible for the UK outbound transport, factory clearance, storage and co-packing operations for the entire Aspall brand, the number one super premium cider in GB^[1].

The tie-up between the two Suffolk businesses, which employ a combined 370 people in the country, will produce and distribute over 28 million litres of the dry, east-coast style cider and vinegar every year across the UK.

The deal comes as Bartrums completes its investment in a new 70,000 sq ft fully racked warehouse and two-storey office block at its headquarters in Eye, Suffolk – just eight miles up the road from the Aspall Cyder house.

Roisin Carr, Regional Operations Director at Molson Coors Beverage Company, said: “Aspall is one of Britain’s most distinctive cider brands and one of Suffolk’s best-loved exports. Strengthening and never detracting from its heritage while contributing to the prosperity of the region is key for us, which is why partnering with another growing Suffolk business like Bartrums is so fitting.

“We’re excited to be embarking on this new venture with such a like-minded business. We’ve continued to invest in the Aspall brand and the Aspall Cyder house, and like us, Bartrums is committed to its own growth while maintaining a strong presence in its home county.”

Tremayne Johnson, Operations Director at Bartrums, added: “Aspall Cyder is one of Suffolk’s most recognisable and prestigious brands and we’re absolutely delighted to have been chosen to partner with them on this long-term contract.

“We’re a family-owned and managed business and pride ourselves on honesty, transparency, and a willingness to respond positively to customer needs. The Bartrum family are choosing to invest in the business they own, and this contract win validates their vision and long-term strategy.”

Dr Dan Poulter, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, said: “I was delighted to join Bartrum Group in opening their new £7m warehousing facility in Eye and especially so to learn that Aspall Cyder and Bartrums have signed a five-year partnership at the site.

“Both businesses share similar values around sustainability and family values and whilst Aspall remains a local business with its roots in Debenham, it is exciting to see the brand go from strength to strength with significant investment since Molson Coors acquired the business.

“I have no doubt that the partnership between Batrums and Aspall will be a positive one, bringing jobs to our local economy and I wish both businesses every success.”

The new contract follows an extensive £13m three-year investment in the Aspall Cyder house, complete in 2022, and continued multi-million-pound Aspall marketing campaigns including the brand’s first ever TV ad at the end of 2022.

In the image from left to right it’s Shaun Bartrum – Joint MD at Bartrums, Stephen Potter – Joint MD at Bartrums, Alan Durant – Warehouse Manager at Aspall Cyder, Tremayne Johnson – Operations Director at Bartrums, Roisin Carr – Regional Operations Director at Molson Coors Beverage Company, Robert Bartrum – Joint MD at Bartrums, Barry Chevallier-Guild – Brand Ambassador for Aspall Cyder, Jon Norman – Head of IT at Aspall Cyder, Henry Chevallier-Guild – Brand Ambassador for Aspall Cyder.

Photo Credit:  Charlotte Bond / Molson Coors Beverage Company