Celtic Marches: Generations of Craft, One Pint at a Time

In the lush countryside of Herefordshire, where apple orchards stretch for miles and tradition is etched into the land, Celtic Marches Beverages Ltd is doing something rare. They are not just making cider. They are preserving a craft, a family legacy, and a full-circle production model that few in the industry can claim.

Owned and run by a seventh-generation Herefordshire farming family, Celtic Marches is proudly independent and female-led. Everything they do, from growing the fruit to bottling the finished product, happens on-site. This “pip to pint” philosophy is not just a clever phrase. It is their way of life.

"We grow our own apples, press them, ferment, blend and package everything ourselves," says Sales Manager Tilly Morgan. "The level of control we have is rare, and it makes a difference to the final product."

From Orchard to Bottle

With over 200 acres of cider apple orchards, Celtic Marches has built its business around control, consistency and sustainability. Unlike many cider producers who buy in concentrate or imported juice, they handle the entire process in-house. Their site includes pressing facilities, fermentation tanks, a bottling line, and even a canning line.

This level of vertical integration means nothing is outsourced. The cider is as authentic and local as it gets. It also means the company can remain agile, launch new products quickly, and ensure high standards at every stage.

The Core Range

Celtic Marches cider is known for being full-flavoured, sparkling, and rooted in tradition. Among the core range, two standouts shine: Abrahalls Vintage and Thundering Molly.

"Abrahalls Vintage is a really lovely, full-bodied cider," says Tilly. "It has a rich, rounded flavour that represents what we’re all about."

Thundering Molly, on the other hand, offers something lighter but equally balanced. Both are bottled sparkling ciders that reflect the style of Herefordshire, where tradition and fruit character are held in equal regard.

Seasonal and Special Editions

While the brand champions classic cider, it also embraces the seasons. In recent years, Celtic Marches has introduced a mulled cider for the colder months, sold in bottles and perfect for warming up winter retail shelves or Christmas markets. They also produce a mulled wine, extending the range into other fermented fruit products while maintaining a focus on craft and quality.

Tilly notes, "We like to stay true to our roots, but there’s always room to innovate. The mulled products have been really well received and allow us to keep the brand fresh through the year."

A Brand Reimagined

Celtic Marches recently underwent a major rebrand. The goal was not to erase its past, but to reflect its growth. The updated look leans into premium cues while still feeling accessible and rooted in the rural English identity.

"It was about elevating the look and feel of the brand," says Tilly. "We wanted it to better reflect the care and heritage that goes into every bottle."

Where to Find Celtic Marches

You can find their ciders across a wide network of independent retailers, garden centres and online platforms. They also sell through Amazon and direct from their own webstore. In person, they have become a staple at regional trade and consumer events, bringing their story to life through tastings and pop-ups.

"We work closely with independents, but we also sell directly to consumers," explains Tilly. "We’re doing more events and tastings, which gives people a real sense of what the brand is about."

Community and Collaboration

While production remains local and family-run, the company is not inward-looking. Celtic Marches collaborates with restaurants, farm shops and tasting venues to host experiences that pair their products with local food and hospitality.

Recent collaborations include tasting events with venues like Carriages and En Steak. These events highlight not only the products, but the personality behind them. There is also strong local support, with giveaways and promotional work alongside nearby farm shops.

A Sustainable Future

Sustainability is woven through the Celtic Marches philosophy. Using borehole water, solar energy and in-house equipment, the company reduces its footprint without compromising scale.

"We’re proud of what we’ve built," says Tilly. "We want to grow, but we want to grow the right way. For us, that means keeping things in-house, staying true to our land and making cider with real character."

Celtic Marches at a Glance

• Location: Herefordshire, UK

• Founded: Multi-generational family farm and cider business

• Core Products: Sparkling bottled ciders including Abrahalls Vintage and Thundering Molly

• Special Releases: Mulled cider and mulled wine for winter

• Production: Full in-house operation from orchard to bottle

• Where to Buy: Online, Amazon, independent shops, and direct from the website

• Instagram: @celticmarches

• Website: www.celticmarches.com