A small Herefordshire cider producer has been accused by a Birmingham-based firm of using two of its brand names. The Aston Manor Brewery has threatened Dennis Gwatkin, from Abbey Dore in the Golden Valley, with legal action over the issue.
The company has written to Mr Gwatkin to inform him that it owns the brand names used for two of his ciders, Kingston Black and Golden Valley.
He has been told he has two weeks to respond, before Aston Manor takes action to stop him using the names.
Traditional apple
Mr Gwatkin says the Kingston Black is a traditional Somerset apple and appears in the names of about 50 small cider producers.
He added that, in any case, the name of the Aston Manor Cider is Kingstone Press.
Mr Gwatkin also believes that, as he produces in the Golden Valley, he has every right to call one of his ciders Gwatkin's Golden Valley.
He says he has the support of some of the larger cider producers in Somerset and will not give up the names.
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