Merrydown

How ethical and sustainable is Merrydown? 

Merrydown is included in The Good Shopping Guide’s Beer, Lager & Cider Ethical Ratings Table. Merrydown has yet to meet our ethical standards, but we believe that in the future, the brand will make the necessary changes to function as a more ethical organisation. Merrydown might increase consumer trust by applying for Ethical Accreditation, which would include a more complete examination and suggestions for ethical development.

More information on the issues that may be found in The Good Shopping Guide to Ethical Lager, Cider and Beer brands.  Then, in our Beer, Lager and cider Ethical Ratings Table compare it to other brands.

What does Merrydown do?

Merrydown cider was created in 1946 by friends Jack Ward, Ian Howle and John Kelland-Knight. Merrydown has two ranges of cider dry and original. The SHS Group acquired Merrydown in 2005. Read more on Merrydowns origin and products here.

For which criteria does Merrydown perform poorly? 

Merrydown received a low rating for Organic and Vegetarian/vegan, as it does not have any products certified as either organic or plant-based.

SHS Group has no criticisms about Genetic Modification but does not have a policy against this and therefore receives a middle rating in this category.

Past Criticisms of Merrydown’s ethical record

Merrydown faced criticism as the SHS group scored the worst rating by Ethical Consumers for its use of palm oil, stating that the brand is using little to no certified palm oil products; more on palm oil products here.

In what areas does Merrydown score well for its ethics?

Merrydown receives a high score for Nucleimal ar Power issues, Animal Welfare, Political Donations and Armaments.

How can Merrydown improve its Ethical Rating?

The Ethical Rating of a brand is divided into three categories by The Good Shopping Guide: the Environment, People and Animals. Find out more about how we rate.

Merrydown might apply for Ethical Accreditation for more detailed guidance on how to improve.

Merrydown may improve its rating and fulfil our fundamental ethical requirements by releasing a stronger Environmental report as well as releasing a vegan or organic cider range.

Why not check out The Good Shopping Guide‘s Ethical Accreditation if you work for or with a beer, lager or cider brand that values ethical conduct, and sustainability and wants to cut through the greenwash?

Contact us to learn more, or complete our short form for an initial evaluation.