Sheppy’s Cider, one of Somerset’s oldest cider makers, has partnered with Buglife to support the charity’s work in rehabilitating the UK’s bug population. From 12th February 2024, a portion of all sales from Sheppy’s 200 Cider purchased from selected Waitrose and Tesco stores as well as online through Ocado and the Sheppy’s webshop will be donated to the charity to aid its crucial conservation efforts of invertebrates and their habitats.
To mark the partnership, Sheppy’s has launched a new label for its 200 cider, which features the Buglife logo and a QR code for consumers to learn more about the partnership. While the brand has supported the charity for several years, this marks the start of a more formal relationship, and the partnership is closely aligned with what shoppers are increasingly looking for from the brands they buy into. Research shows that 80% of food and drink shoppers intentionally choose products from producers which work to be sustainable, [i] and Sheppy’s 200 will now appeal to consumers looking to support biodiversity but who also want to indulge in a premium craft cider.
The partnership has arisen out of a shared interest in protecting the environment and both Sheppy’s and Buglife recognise that invertebrates are the foundations of a healthy environment, and they are essential to ecosystem function.
Louisa Sheppy, a Director at Sheppy’s Cider, commented: “We are passionate about our orchards as the foundation of our business and as a rich habitat for the many small creatures which live there, and we’re delighted to be partnering Buglife. If our relationship with Buglife helps to protect the future of wild bees and pollinating insects, the future of cider-making and the high-quality products for which Sheppy’s is known will be safer.”
Paul Hetherington, a Director of Buglife, commented: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Sheppy’s Cider as the business shares our passion for educating consumers on how they can help us restore vital habitats and rebuild strong populations of invertebrates in the UK. Cider orchards provide habitats for a huge range of wildlife and are an important part of the ecosystem. Together with Sheppy’s, we’re determined to enhance the Somerset area, transforming it into a valuable hotspot for biodiversity.”
The partnership will be supported by UK wide trade and consumer marketing activity, as well as regional activities to encourage the South West community to get involved at Sheppy’s Cider Farm in Somerset.
To find out more information about Sheppy’s Cider and how you can support the partnership visit www.sheppyscider.com/about-sheppys/charities.
