Aston Manor

Frosty Jack's

2011-07-29

Frosty Jack's Cider and Loaded Magazine have collaborated on a series of Celebrity Comedy Podcasts as part of their commitment to strengthening their comedy associations.

Hosted by comedian Dom Joly, the series of monthly podcasts contain funny and irreverent content which is synonymous with both the Frosty Jack's and Loaded brand. The first in the 3 part series, which can now be downloaded through the iTunes store, includes special guests; Dermot O'Leary, Ricky Hatton, Scouting For Girls and former Playboy Bunny Louise Glover.

The Comedy podcasts will be supported with a promotional mechanic and digital strategy aimed at driving consumers online to claim VIP passes to the recording of the podcasts, and cash prizes through facebook.

Helen Jones; Brand Manager states "After the success of sponsoring ITV2's Celebrity Juice, we wanted to further strengthen our tie with comedy and the brand synergy between Frosty Jack’s and Loaded created the perfect platform to do this. The brand is already growing at 35% in value (Ac Nielsen Off Trade mat 09.07.11) which is significantly outperforming the total cider category and we believe that this year marketing campaign will further support the brands growth”.

Loaded Marketing Manager; Krystle Hodgson said "we are thrilled to be working with Frosty Jack's Cider on the comedy podcasts. It is part of our ongoing marketing strategy to build on our brand extensions. With our commitment to comedy and the success of the Lafta's this is a perfect mechanism to broaden the reach of our Loaded brand."

Press 81 Gains Awards

2011-07-29

Press 81, Aston Manor's new premium cider, has achieved awards in two prestigious cider competitions.

The premium and stylish cider gained Gold in the British Bottling Institute Awards in both a blind taste test and also the packaging awards. In the International Cider Challenge Press 81 won bronze for both the Apple and Pear variants.

Peter Ellis MD States “We are extremely pleased that our new and innovative product offering has gained awards in two separate competitions which highlights the true quality and craft that has been invested in creating the Press 81 brand."

Press 81 Launch

2011-05-13

The Coolest bottled Cider in the UK launches in June

TODAY it was announced that Aston Manor, the third largest cider producer in the UK, will be launching the first ever cider that can tell you when it’s chilled to perfection. Using unique cold activation technology Press 81 combines craft and provenance with cutting edge design, to create a premium,stylish brand; which brings true innovation to the cider market.

As the UK’s first cider to be served in a sleek aluminium bottle, Press 81 has three thermo-chromic rings on the front which turn ‘steel blue’ when the cider has reached the optimum temperature- delivering superior refreshment for consumers.

Press 81,is crafted using fresh bittersweet apples from Aston Manor’s orchards in Malvern. It is then cold fermented, filtered and bottled to retain the fresh fruity flavours and aromas that give the cider a unique fruity and full bodied taste. As the 81st recipe crafted by Aston Manor’s master cider maker, this artisan cider is the perfect combination of heritage and innovation.

“Press 81 has been crafted with superior quality, provenance, and heritage which you would associate with high end premium ciders with the aim of making the brand an ‘accessible premium’ cider through the brands use of contemporary packaging and cold activation technology. Press 81 represents another step forwards in terms of innovation for the cider category which was reinvigorated by the ‘Over Ice’ ritual. There is a real gap in the market for a cider with substance and style, which research shows consumers are now looking for“said Brand Manager, Helen Jones.

Aston Manor will be supporting the launch with a significant through-the-line marketing campaign.

Press 81 will be available in both Apple and Pear variants in 473ml CA Bottles (Cold Activated Bottles) with an ABV of 4.5% and launches into the On and Off Trade in June.For pre-orders contact 0121 328 4336

Frosty Jack's Sponsorship

2011-03-14

Frosty Jack’s has secured the sponsorship of ITV2 Comedy season for the fourth year running, with Keith Lemons Celebrity Juice at the fore front of the deal.

Celebrity Juice, which is produced by talkbackTHAMES for ITV, runs for two seasons, spring and autumn, and will feature a host of celebrity guests including Olly Murs ,David Hasselhoff, Jedward, Gok Wan and Christine Bleakley

The Frosty Jack’s brand has achieved a significant increase in volume and value of 17% (AC Nielsen MAT 25.12.2010) growing almost 3 times more than the total Cider market which has been achieved through the launch of the ‘unconventional’ marketing campaign in 2010. The growth highlights that although premium and fruit categories are growing there is still a demand for everyday ciders.

Helen Jones Brand Manager says “Celebrity Juice is a hugely popular program which creates the perfect fit for the brand strengthening the association with comedy. Frosty Jack’s has continued to grow phenomenally in 2010 which was achieved through a highly targeted and integrated marketing campaign which featured sponsorship of ITV2 Comedy at the core of the activity.”

The 2011 sponsorship will be supported by a significant investment in a through the line campaign with digital being at the centre lead by social media activity which will integrate with consumer and trade promotions

Aston Manor Sponsorship

2011-02-28

Aston Manor brewery have secured a sponsorship deal with local sporting team, Aston Manor Cricket Club.

As part of Aston Manor ethos, supporting the local communcity is important, which aims to support young sporting stars such as the local grown talent, Chris Woakes reach their abitions of securing a place in the England Cricket team.

We wish the team every sucess in the up and coming season.

Crumpton Oaks

2010-10-26

Crumpton Oaks Farmhouse Cider gets a rebrand and line extension

Aston Manor, the largest Independent Cider Company in the UK, rebrands Crumpton Oaks Farmhouse Cider and launches a Pear variant as an extension of the brand.

Crumpton Oaks, Aston Manors Second largest brand, has under gone a redesign to make the brand more contemporary and to create greater impact on shelf. The brand, which was renamed in 2009 from Hereford Orchard to Crumpton Oaks, has not been redesigned since its launch in 1996.

The new pack design is to be complimented by a brand extension with the launch of Crumpton Oaks Pear, a refreshing and fruity pear cider which capitalises on the success of Aston Manors Old Moors Pear Cider, the leading brand in the Pet Pear Cider category.

Helen Jones, Brand Manager states “The rebrand of Crumpton Oaks ensures that the design is contemporary and connects with the modern consumer . The black silhouette of the design with the coloured sunset vignette really sets the brand apart from its competitors and is particularly eye catching which it’s paramount in the competitive Cider market. The launch of Crumpton Oaks Pear seemed like a natural extension of an already successful brand and has been crafted to ensure a unique and refreshing taste.”

Crumpton Oaks is also available in 500ml Cans and will be supported by a full marketing campaign in 2011.

Kingstone Press 'buzzing' new website

2010-10-19

Kingstone Press has launched a 'buzzing' new website to reinforce its traditional cider roots. To see the new website please visit www.kingstonepress.co.uk