Devon-based Sandford Orchards has won a silver medal at the International Brewing and Cider Awards, for its non-alcoholic cider, Red Zero.
It had already been named best non-alcoholic cider at the World Cider Awards 2025. It has also won Untapped Gold 2026, and other gongs from the Great British Food Awards, Great Taste Awards, International Cider Challenge, World Alcohol-Free Awards, Taste of the West, Food Drink Devon, and The Farm Shop and Deli Awards.
“It took eight years of failure, iteration, and obsession to get Red Zero right, but we like to do things properly at Sandford Orchards,” said founder Barny Butterfield.
“When we perfected the process, we were thrilled with the outcome, but we weren’t prepared for the response we received once we launched it.
“Fifteen months on, and the accolades keep rolling in. Red Zero has been named best in county, region, country, and the world! That is what we call alcohol-free cider done right!”
Red Zero (lass than 0.5% ABV) is a crisp and fruity cider produced from apple varieties including Farmers Glory, Dabinett, and Sweet Alford. Created using a combination of traditional cider methods and cutting-edge technology, it is properly fermented, then has the alcohol extracted.
Barny added: “Removing alcohol without damaging character is hard. Doing it properly is even harder. We invested in the right technology to access processes that genuinely lifted us above the category, taking learnings from wine and developing them in cider.
“We blend for a product without alcohol from the outset because when the alcohol is gone, there’s nowhere to hide. We have a cellar team with 70 years of experience which we use to ensure we make the right decisions at every stage. The judges can tell and so can our customers.
“It may be the most expensive way to make non-alcoholic cider, but that is why it’s one of the most authentic non-alcoholic drinks out there.”
