A FAMILY-RUN fruit juice business near Chulmleigh has big plans for the future after securing several supply contracts in the South West.

Hayes Meadow Juices and Presses was founded last year by Neil and Davina Spencer from Ashreigney with their 19-year-old daughter, Jasmine.

Neil started making fruit juice five years ago for family and friends using discarded apples from local orchards.

After a few years of honing his recipes through a series of experiments, Neil decided to have a go at turning his hobby into a paying job.

He said: "The people who had tasted the juice were extremely complimentary so I decided to set it up as a business.

"Before that I worked as a regeneration and sustainability consultant in the South West and I thought it was about time I practised what I'd been preaching and attempt to set up a successful company.

"The apples are collected from our own orchard in Ashreigney where we grow all manner of local varieties including Devonshire Quarryman and Kingston Blacks.

"The apples are then taken to a large hydraulic press at a friend's house in Wembworthy where the juice is also bottled on site."

While most of the hard labour is done by Neil, wife Davina pitches in where possible and daughter Jasmine, a second year graphics student at University College Falmouth, deals with the branding and labels for the bottles.

As well as several varieties of apple juice, Hayes Meadow also produces raspberry, elder flower and blueberry fruit presses and is in the process of finalising recipes for traditional lemonade and ginger beer.

The company already supplies venues such as Tapeley Park, Broomhill Art Hotel and Boston Tea Party and Neil says he has a clear idea of where he wants the brand to go in the next few years.

He said: "I see our products as an up-market soft drink which can provide a non-alcoholic alternative to wine.

"Last year we made 4,000 bottles, all of which were sold. This year we are aiming to produce between 30,000 and 40,000 bottles.

"While we are over-the-moon with our contracts in the South West, we really want to see the company supplying businesses all over the UK.

"However, we hope to remain true to our roots by continuing to sell at local markets and fairs."

Pictured above, Neil Spencer and daughter Jasmine pressing apples for their exclusive juices. Picture: Rob Tibbles Ref 1008-120_03