A Wisbech drinks maker is hoping to get their products stocked on the shelves of a supermarket nationally after a competition was launched to find community suppliers.

Watergull Orchards is a family business that makes apple juice and cider made from apples grown in its local orchards.

A spokesman said: “The apple juice is pressed on the farm soon after the apples have been picked.

“Our process is very simple, we hand select our apples which are then washed and crushed into fine pulp prior to pressing in our 30 tonne press.

“The apple juice is then bottled and pasteurised awaiting distribution. From apple to juice in under 36 hours!

“We produce over 20 varieties of high quality apple juice.

“In more recent years we have begun producing cider of which we have over 10 varieties again produced with the same high quality apples we use to make our juice.”

Morrisons announced the search for local suppliers after research found that customers want to see more food and drink made and produced ‘just down the road’ from their communities.

More than 75 producers from across East Anglia applied to take part in the regional programme. The best 15 were then invited to Costessey Centre in Norfolk, where they pitched to buyers, customers and staff.

Richard Jones, Morrisons development chef, said: “The region has a long history of great, local food and the producers we’ve seen today have been no exception.

“After seeing the quality of the food here in East Anglia today, we’re keen to put even more food made locally on our customers’ plates.”

The suppliers who Morrisons think have what it takes to supply its stores will now be invited to a final round at the supermarket’s head office in Bradford.