Cornwall's longest-standing cider maker will launch a new, lower-alcohol version of their popular Rattler cider at the Boardmasters music and surf festival in August.
The new 4% ABV Rattler has been developed to complement the existing range of Rattler Original (6%), Pear (4%) and Berry (4%). It will initially be available on draught, with 500ml bottles coming in 2014.
The launch coincides with a new sponsorship deal which will make the Rattler range the official cyder poured at the Boardmasters festival from August 7 to 11.
A second generation family-run business, Healey's is based at Penhallow near Perranporth beach, just a few miles down the coast from the Boardmasters festival sites at Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach.
Joe Healey, commercial director at Healey's, said: "We are really excited that Rattler will be the official cider partner at Boardmasters festival. The vibe at Boardmasters is exactly what Rattler is all about: Cornwall, the beach, surfing, music, sunsets, and good times with friends. At Healey's we have always loved the Boardmasters festival so it seems like a natural partnership."
Popular for its crisp flavour, sales of the 6% ABV Rattler Original have almost tripled over the last three years. In response to popular demand Healey's was looking to launch a draught cider with a lower ABV specifically for festivals and the on trade.
The new 4% Rattler comes soon after a rebrand earlier this year. The Rattler range is named after a variety of Cornish apple, 'The Rattler', and the new branding featuring an apple illustration that incorporates the Rattler 'bite' builds on this association.
Joe Healey continued: "We recognise that on some occasions people might want to enjoy a cider with a lower percentage of alcohol. Rattler has become so popular over the last few years and we wanted to be able to bring that to the festival experience.
"We ran sampling of Rattler 4% at this year's Royal Cornwall Show in June and the feedback was incredibly positive. Now we can't wait to launch it at the festival."
Boardmasters is Cornwall's largest festival and features the best of beachside living with surfing, BMX and skateboarding competitions alongside live music. This year the event is headlined by The Vaccines, Basement Jaxx and Ben Howard.
Sally Gill, from festival organisers Vision Nine, said: "Boardmasters is delighted to have Rattler as our official cyder of the festival this year. It's great to have the opportunity to work alongside such an authentic brand and to support a pioneering local South West business.
"The festival has received a fantastic response from our audience since announcing the partnership and we're looking forward to pouring the new Rattler 4% over the bars at the show."
Healey's is based on the family farm at Penhallow, near Truro, which has 20 acres of orchards and 3,000 apple trees. Open year round, Healey's Cyder Farm offers a unique visitor experience attracting around 400,000 people each year.
Healey's produce a wide range of artisan ciders, spirits, juices and jams, and their Cornish whiskey (the oldest in England) was named European Whiskey of the Year 2013 (Single Barrel) by connoisseur Jim Murray.
Rattler 4% will also be available on draught at select pubs across the South West and at the Eden Project's Eden Sessions.
For more information visit: www.healeyscyder.co.uk; www.boardmasters.co.uk
