Family is at the heart of Vigo Presses. We began in a small way 34 years ago when co-founder Alex brought a fruit press back from the continent to the family home and the rest is history as they say!
This month we've begun an exciting new chapter. We are delighted to welcome Paul as our new owner (Vigo Presses Ltd)! We haven't cut ties with our roots though. Alex, in between chairing Vigo Ltd (which supplies commercial drink producers) and working on community projects, is still at hand to support us and help us on our way.
Paul and his family have a 15 acre orchard and bought their first fruit press from us 8 years ago. “As you can imagine,” Paul said, “with 367 trees we have lots of apples! We used to sell our apples to cider producers but we thought, ‘Why not start making cider ourselves?' Picking and pressing had to happen at the weekends, as I working during the week. So, our small weekend hobby became a much bigger weekend hobby! Harvest time is great, as my parents and children all get involved.” The family now make 6,000 litres of cider and a few thousand bottles of apple juice a year, and were delighted when their dry cider was awarded first prize in this year's Devon County Show.
“I have always had a fondness for Vigo Presses and am very excited to now be part of it,” Paul explains. “It is family-friendly. Every member of 'the family' is important, whether you are a customer, follower, or member of the Vigo Presses team. Whether you buy a sachet of yeast or a complete cider making kit, it is important that you have a positive experience with us.”
We were chuffed when Paul's mum popped into the office yesterday with lovely cake she had made, expertly decorated by Paul's girls. We wish we could share a slice with all of you, but it would have to be a ginormous cake! Cheers everyone, and if you are ever pass through Dunkeswell, near Honiton in Devon, do drop in and say hello!
