Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm has taken a big step in its ongoing sustainability journey with the launch of its bestselling Rattler cyder in cans for the first time.
The cans are now available in more than 1,200 Tesco Express stores nationwide. The partnership with Tesco Express is a key part of Healeys’ wider plan to address the UK’s new extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation.
This government-led packaging reform is set to reshape how businesses manage packaging waste, shifting full financial responsibility for the collection, recycling, and disposal of packaging onto producers.
For Healeys, the initiative aligns seamlessly with the family-run business’ long-standing commitments to environmental stewardship, local investment, and operational innovation.
“At Healeys, we’ve always believed that sustainability and success go hand in hand,” said managing director Joe Healey.
“Our partnership with Tesco Express not only expands the reach of our Rattler brand, but also strengthens our ability to mitigate the impact of the packaging levy by adopting more efficient, lower-impact formats.”
Central to this approach is the installation of a new, on-site canning line, set to go into full production at the end of June.
This high-speed 12-head rotary filler, capable of dealing with 6,000 cans per hour, allows the Cornish producer to package in more sustainable aluminium cans, which are lighter, fully recyclable, and more carbon-efficient to transport than glass bottles. The aim is for 80% of the production to shift in to cans in the next five years.
Joe Healey
Beyond packaging, Healeys continues to lead in sustainable production practices. Half of the site’s annual energy needs are now met through solar and wind power, and cutting-edge apple-pressing systems are helping to further lower energy consumption.
They have also recently introduced a new composting programme, which uses a combination of apple pulp, apple tree pruning and waste cardboard to create nutrient-rich fertiliser.
Since taking over the running of the farm, the family has planted more than 30,000 trees and grapevines, which contribute significantly to carbon capture, alongside taking on the stewardship of 150 acres of established woodland.
The apple orchards also support a population of over half a million bees, which are crucial to pollinating the trees and producing the cyder.
Joe added: “This is about future-proofing our business in Cornwall, while helping shape a greener drinks industry. We’re proud to be setting an example for how producers can embrace EPR, reduce environmental impact, and grow sustainably.
“Cans are also a lot more user-friendly; they cool quicker in a fridge, are easier to carry and dispose of, without compromising taste and quality.”
