Win cider done right: Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards

Imagine a competition that shines a spotlight on people who create great cider across the UK. The Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards from Sandford Orchards is designed to celebrate high quality whole juice ciders and perries and to give makers real, actionable feedback that helps them grow.

Entry is free and open to cider makers producing between 3,000 and 50,000 litres per year, including all previous entrants. This award is about sharing craft, learning and community as much as it is about prizes.

What makes this competition special is not just the prizes but the journey it offers. Gold winners receive vouchers from Vigo (£500) and Murphy and Son (£250), plus premier listings at The Stable and at The London Cider House, plus the chance to blend a Sandford Orchards x winner limited edition cider and a site visit from Sandford Orchards team to offer practical help and advice about set up. Silver winners receive vouchers from Bag In Box Shop UK (£200) and Murphy and Son (£100), and there is mentoring from our cider makers along with a 12 month listing at Darts Farm in Devon and a courtesy listing on Sandford Orchards website.

All winners also gain mentoring from the Sandford team, a tour of the site and ongoing listing opportunities designed to support their growth. The Awards will be back in 2027 with entries opening toward the end of 2026, inviting makers from across the country to share their passion and craftsmanship with a wider audience. The experience is friendly, welcoming, and collaborative, a place where budding cider makers can learn, test new ideas, and showcase their best work.

As a maker, you can expect thoughtful feedback on every entry. The process is designed to help you refine your apples, fermentation and packaging while you learn from seasoned cider makers. The mentoring and tours give you direct access to experience and knowledge gained from decades of craft.

Sandford Orchards has a long history of blending tradition with innovation. This awards program continues that ethos by treating every entry as a chance to push your craft forward while celebrating the diversity of cider across the country. It is a dynamic, hands on event that invites you to imagine the possibilities for your own cider journey.