Founded in 1904 by Martin’s Great-Grandfather, William Thatcher, Thatchers Cider remains family-run with its mantra to maintain a sustainable company for future generations.
Brought up on the family farm, Martin joined his Father in the company from school, working his way up and gaining valuable experience in every part of the business from orchard management, cider making, packaging, finance, sales and marketing.
Of becoming a Visit Somerset Ambassador, Martin says:
“My family has been living and working in Somerset for six generations, we’re extremely proud to craft Somerset Cider, and I can’t think of anywhere else I would rather be than right here in the heart of this beautiful county. I’m therefore honoured to accept Visit Somerset’s invitation to help spread the word about the delights of Somerset to visitors from home and overseas.”
Since becoming Managing Director in 1992, he has driven consistent growth across the company maintaining a firm focus on the issues that are core to the company’s philosophy – heritage, family values, sustainability, provenance and expertise. Having successfully achieved national listings in the UK, and with the firm’s flagship brand Gold the country’s fastest selling draught cider, Martin has ensured that the name of Thatchers remains synonymous with the highest quality heritage apple cider at home and increasingly abroad. Thatchers ciders are now sold in over 22 countries worldwide.
For many years Martin has been an active member of the National Association of Cider Makers, and takes a keen interest in lobbying government on behalf of the cider industry. Before taking on the role of Chair he led the marketing committee.
In 2005 he was awarded the coveted Nuffield Farming Trust scholarship; in 2010, Thatchers was regional winner and UK national finalist, of the prestigious HSBC Business Thinking Initiative.