A major new expansion by Cornwall’s biggest cider producers has been officially opened by royalty.
Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, made a return visit to the award-winning Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm on Friday, almost two decades after he first took a tour.
The visit marked the official opening of Kay’s Cyderhouse at the farm and visitor attraction at Penhallow, near Truro.
It includes a new apple pressing facility, three new apple bays and on the ground floor visitors can see a handful of the family’s treasured Austin-Healey classic cars.
The Duke was invited to unveil a plaque to commemorate the opening and was presented with a bottle of 18-year-old Healeys Cornish Cyder Brandy, which was distilled when he last visited the farm.
Joe Healey, managing director trading at Healeys, said: “It was an honour to host the Duke of Edinburgh as he officially opened Kay’s Cyderhouse.
“On his visit, he was given a behind-the-scenes look at how we create our award-winning products, as well as meeting the team that make it happen.
“A lot has changed since he last visited in 2005, so it was great that we could bring him up to date with the transformational changes we’ve made.”
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As part of the £5 million investment, the business has doubled its processing capacity, with the introduction of new apple bays, an innovative water transportation system, and an additional press.
The company said that new infrastructure would also ensure a higher quality of juice thanks to less bruising and better cleaning of the apples.
Founded in 1980, Healeys is the largest independent cider-maker in Cornwall.
A family-owned business, Healeys produces the famous Cornish cider brand Rattler, makes ‘England’s oldest whiskey’ and is also the home of ‘Tresor’, a naturally sparkling wine made exclusively from Cornish grapes.
Under the Cyderhouse Co Ltd Group, Healeys also run Fives Cyderhouse in Falmouth and, as of August this year, took over the Gylly Beach Café at Gyllyngvase.
At the time Joe Healey, one of two managing directors at Healeys Cyder, said: “The plan is to revive and shine a light on this incredible venue, making it the immersive destination it deserves to be.
"Don’t let the term ‘café’ deceive you, this is a diverse and very busy business, comprising of a café/bar/restaurant, bakery, takeaway, water sports centre and with exclusive commercial rights to Falmouth’s best beach – we are super excited to see where the journey takes us with Gylly and we feel incredibly fortunate to keep this popular Cornish business running under Cornish family ownership."
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