One of Cornwall’s best-known family businesses, Healeys Cornish Cyder, is celebrating 40 years since moving to its current premises in 1986.
The Healey family at Penhallow
Founded by David and Kay Healey in 1980, the business has been evolved by the family through innovation, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit. It has grown from a small cydermaking venture into one of the region’s most recognisable brands.
Since moving to Penhallow in 1986, Healeys Cornish Cyder is now Cornwall’s largest, and the UKs third largest, independent cyder maker. It produces award-winning cyders, spirits, wines, preserves, and soft drinks, enjoyed across the UK and beyond.
“Forty years is a huge milestone for our family and for everyone who has helped make Healeys what it is today,” said managing director Joe Healey. “Mum and Dad purchased a derelict farm with no water or electricity. People thought they were nuts, but they saw the potential and carried on anyway.
“They had a simple ambition — to make great Cornish cyder from the apples grown here on the farm. A lot of hard work, grit, and graft has gone into what makes Healeys what it is today. We’re still proudly family owned, still making our products here in Cornwall, and still passionate about creating the very best experiences for everyone who visits us or enjoys a Healeys drink.”
He added: “We’ve never stood still. Every decade has brought something new, whether that’s launching Rattler, opening our distillery, producing England’s oldest whiskey, welcoming visitors from around the world, or expanding into hospitality with venues that include Gylly Beach Café, Fives, and the Rattler Beach House.”
Innovation has always been at the heart of Healeys’ story. From making the first commercial Cornish Cyder back in 1980, to planting more than 12,000 vines at Tregoninny Vineyard near Truro, where Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Seyval Blanc grapes are now grown for the Tresor range of Cornish wines in 2018.
Earlier, in 2003, Healeys partnered with St Austell Brewery to help bring English whiskey production back after a century, creating Hicks & Healey Cornish Whiskey. Today, the business is home to England’s oldest whiskey, matured for more than two decades. The company has even taken its award-winning apple juice and created a new functional drinks brand, Gym Juice.
The family farm has been transformed into one of Cornwall’s leading attractions. Visitors can explore the cyder-making process, enjoy guided tours and tastings, ride through the orchards on a vintage tractor, meet the farm animals, and visit the historic distillery, barrel cellars, and jam kitchen.
The Healey family name carries a unique legacy beyond the farm. They are direct descendants of legendary automotive engineer Donald Healey, creator of the iconic Austin-Healey sports cars, with a collection of classic Healey vehicles proudly displayed at the farm.
Founder and chairman of Healeys, David Healey said: “When Kay and I started Healeys, we simply wanted to make authentic Cornish cyders and build something our family could be proud of. Forty years later, seeing the next generation leading the business while keeping those same family values alive is incredibly rewarding.
“The greatest achievement isn’t just the business itself — it’s the people. Our family, our fantastic team, our loyal customers, and the thousands of visitors who’ve shared the Healeys journey with us over the years. We’re incredibly grateful for their support.”
Today, Healeys’ orchards are home to more than 3,000 apple trees, with around 2,000 tonnes of apples processed each year. From traditional scrumpy and premium cyders to spirits, wines, juices, and preserves, the business continues to champion Cornish craftsmanship across its growing portfolio.
