Like most in the hospitality sector, 2020 got off to a slow start for Guernsey’s Rocquette Cider. Having had a reasonable forward booking diary for tours for the season, it was immediately cancelled with the arrival of Covid-19.
When the ban was lifted in late June, it took a few weeks to get things going, but Rocquette’s August figures were really encouraging with a 33% increase from 600 to 800 visitors over 2019. Most of this increase came from islanders looking for something to do and in the process, supporting local industry. Rocquette also welcomed a few visitors from the Isle of Man who all said how much they enjoyed Guernsey and that they would return. September also saw a 33% increase with local visitors rising from 300 to 400.
With the season finishing in October, Rocquette were surprised to see their visitors increase from 92 last October to 187 this year, an increase of just over 100% despite the clocks going backwards and the weather worsening.
This year Rocquette had very young schoolchildren, sporting parties, stag and hen parties, birthday parties, Women’s Institutes, Happy Campers from our neighbours, The Guernsey Scottish Association and many groups from local businesses. They also introduced new products to guests, receiving a very good response to the forward purchase of cases of their Cider Apple Brandy, Pomme D’Or.
As a thank you, Rocquette are holding their prices for next year at this year’s level – £22 for mid-week and £25 for Fridays and Saturdays. The tours start from mid-April and go through to mid-October.
