Describe the marketing team in three words.
Matthew, Nikki, Phil.
Does the team socialise outside office hours?
We are always finding ourselves at different ends of the country, so there is no Brothers 'local'. However, we always make sure to get together for a cider or two a few times a month.
What are the hours like?
We spend many weekends working at festivals in the summer, and we travel quite a bit - but that kind of work
is always balanced with a strong social side.
What is the main marketing challenge you face?
Creating a distinctive branded proposition in a crowded cider marketplace.
How do you come up with new marketing ideas?
We generally go to the pub, drink some Brothers Cider, listen to what our consumers have to say and get creative. Our overall rule is that if it looks like another drinks brand could have used the idea, we won't.
Is there a dress code?
Not especially - anything goes. Although wearing your fancy dress from the previous festival can sometimes be a step too far.
Brothers Cider is a firm festival favourite. Does the team get to go to them all?
We visit every event we are sponsoring to make sure our ciders are served correctly, to see a few bands and keep in touch with our consumers.
Is there anything particularly interesting about your office?
Our factory is on the site of the first place in the UK where lager was brewed.
What is the company like for training and career progression?
As a small team, we get involved with every aspect of the job.
What about the salary and benefits package?
Part-payment in cider.
Company facts
- Brothers Drinks is based at Anglo Trading Estate, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BY.
- The company has 85 employees, of whom three are marketers.
- It is the third-biggest media spender in the UK cider cate-gory, according to AC Nielsen.
- Brothers first started selling its Pear Cider at the Glast-onbury Festival in 1995. In 2005 it decided to market it to pubs and supermarkets. Now it is available nationwide and at a range of music festivals.
- Matthew Showering is chief executive; Phil Plowman, Matthew Langley and Nikki Langford are marketers.