No lectures, just cider – the best uni trip ever?
Not many people know that just a short coach ride from the University of Bristol lies Myrtle Farm, home to Thatchers Cider. From the moment we arrived in the heart of Somerset, it was clear that Thatchers is more than just a cider company, it’s a brand rooted in tradition, sustainability, and innovative marketing. Having spent hours researching Thatchers for an assignment in this module, getting to see the brand in person added a whole new dimension to what I had studied. Seeing how everything came together beyond the case studies and campaign analysis made the experience even more interesting.
As a class of Gen Z students studying Digital Marketing, we weren’t just learning about the subject—we were living it. We had the exciting opportunity to work alongside Thatchers’ talented marketing team on the campaign for their latest launch, Thatchers Juicy Apple. The day began with a group pitch, where we presented our strategy proposals aimed at engaging the next generation of cider drinkers—just like real marketers would. Hearing that my ideas were being seriously considered by industry professionals was incredibly encouraging and reassured me that I was on the right track.
Getting a taste of the industry (literally!)
What truly stood out was witnessing how Thatchers blends heritage with innovation. They stay true to their roots while leveraging modern marketing techniques to reach new audiences. This balance was particularly evident as we toured the farm, learning about cider-making from orchard to bottle. But as marketing students, what intrigued us most was how deeply sustainability is embedded in their brand. Rather than a ‘token’ (greenwashing), their sustainability initiatives, from reducing water waste to ensuring every part of the apple is used, are fundamental to their operations.
Why trips like this matter to students
Experiences like this go beyond the classroom. Engaging with industry professionals and seeing marketing in action made this trip invaluable. Some of my classmates were so inspired that they are now considering applying to work with Thatchers this summer.
This trip wasn’t just about cider, it was about understanding how brands craft their stories, connect with new audiences, and evolve. And, of course, getting to sample their non-alcoholic cider during the trip was a bonus too!
Author: Nicole Juxon-Parchment, BSc Marketing student