littlefield farm, long sutton, somerset
The Fry family have been farming in Somerset for five generations.
In 1978, Harry’s father Bill Fry planted a cider apple orchard in Long Sutton. Despite securing a 25-year contract with a large commercial cider maker, he was looking at a good seven years before he’d break even on his investment.
So, alongside the cider contract, Bill was dairy farming, with arable crops, beef and a flock of sheep. Harry bought his own farm – Littlefield Farm – in September 1982 and by March 1983 he had begun milking a herd of cows who grazed on the rich pastures surrounding the farm.
In 2003 the apple contract came to an end so Harry suggested to his dad that they make their own cider, to which Bill responded, ‘you carry on son, I’m too old for this!’ and so Harry set off on a cider making course where he learnt the principles and practices of cider making.
With plenty of trials and studying to follow, Harry and his son Toby finally created a fantastic quality farmhouse cider.
Since then, Harry has never looked back: his range of ciders have won various awards, he has a strong team of seven who work alongside him in the day to day running of the business, and despite some challenges and tribulations the business continues to grow.
