Aston Manor Cider

It was managed by Peter Ellis, son of Doug Ellis, until 2013, when Gordon Johncox took over as managing director. Peter Ellis remained as executive chairman until his death in December 2017. Peter's son, James Ellis, is financial director. Cider production director is Rod Clifford. ==Products==

Its products include the Frosty Jack's brand of white cider, Kingstone Press Cider, Friels First Press Vintage and Hop Infused Cider Knights Malvern Gold, Crumpton Oaks and 3 Hammers. == History ==

The company was formed in 1981 by four former employees of Ansells, after Ansells closed its Aston Cross brewery. A new brewery was opened in nearby Thimble Mill Lane. In 1984, Herefordshire hop farmer Michael Hancocks, one of the company's suppliers, bought into the business. By 1998, Aston Manor was reporting profits of over £1million, with 70% of its sales being cider. Because of a slump in the market and strong competition, by 2001 profits had fallen to £740,500, but by 2009 had risen to over £3 million, due to a large rise in demand in the UK. In spring 2013 the company planted of 1,000 acres of new orchards, using 350,000 trees, on sites in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. In the autumn of 2013, a new fruit processing and pressing facility was added in Stourport-on-Severn in Worcestershire. In July 2014 the company moved to a new head office and logistics facility adjacent to the M6 motorway at Witton in Birmingham. In August 2018 Aston Manor cider was acquired by French co-operative Agrial. ==Industrial sabotage plot==

In 2001, Michael Hancocks, then managing director Following his conviction for conspiracy to defraud, Hancocks was jailed for 18 months ==See also==