ANGLESEY apples helped an island cider producer bear fruit at a top business award.

Jaspels Anglesey Cider and the Anglesey Cider Project was named Best Sustainable Business at the first Sustainable Academy Awards.

Sustainability is described as an ethical approach, where the needs of the present are not compromised by the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The cider project was created to make use of the many apples that were going to waste each year. A plea on social media in September, 2016, asked Anglesey residents to donate unwanted fruit in exchange for cider the following spring.

A good response enabled the launch of Jaspels Anglesey Craft Cider as a brand in June, 2017. Its logo was inspired by collecting apples from many red squirrel conservation areas on the island.

Jaspels also encourages the planting of orchards and aims for more Welsh heritage apple trees to be grown across the island.

The company also sends it waste apple "pomace," to pig farmers and to Pennotec, a local business, for food research development.

The craft cider is produced using traditional methods using a handmade wooden press. The company holds holds demonstration days, and a visitor facility helping to boost tourism.

In 2018 the company increased its volume when it had five times as many donors, and secured more apples using supermarket rejects.

In 15 months, it has developed into a recognisable drinks producer in North Wales and has recently added the slogan ‘less waste more taste,’ to its products.

Janet Percival, director and marketing manager of Jaspels said:“We are delighted to have won this award, especially as we were up against other great businesses in this category.

"It’s been hard work so far but being recognised like this is fantastic. Thanks to everyone who has supported us along the way.”

David Clubb, director renewableUK Cymru, said: “The entries were a fantastic demonstration of the sheer drive, enthusiasm and commitment that is helping to make Wales a world leader in working sustainability across a range of areas."

Mari Arthur, director of Cynnal Cymru, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the results of the inaugural Sustainable Academy Awards. They are a fantastic platform to help us celebrate the contributions being made to sustainability in Wales."

Organised by Cynnal Cymru and RenewableUK Cymru, the awards celebrate sustainability excellence, innovation and leadership across Wales, in work being done by individuals, community groups and the public sector, as well as small and large businesses.

The sustainable business award category was sponsored by Dŵr Cymru and Wales and West Utilities was the awards' headline sponsor.