- Design
- Dev
ZIP Fires
Igniting ZIP’s Direct to Consumer website
Merrydown Cider
A new digital chapter for Merrydown
Heritage craft cider brand rooted in quality and tradition
- Design
- Dev
The work
What did we do?
Merrydown - Crafting cider since 1946, when three friends turned a shared passion for apple wine into a business at Jack Ward’s farm in Sussex. What began with a borrowed oak cider press and 450 gallons of juice has grown into a brand enjoyed across the UK, still made true to its original recipe. Using fresh eating apples and no artificial colours, flavourings or sweeteners, Merrydown remains rooted in quality and tradition.
Client
Merrydown Cider
Website
Platforms
Shopify
DatoCMS
React
Target Audience
Merrydown’s direct to consumer site is aimed at adult cider drinkers who value heritage, simplicity and quality ingredients. This includes long standing customers who already know and trust the brand, as well as new audiences discovering it for the first time online.
The audience is looking for a straightforward buying experience and reassurance around product quality. The website needed to reflect the brand’s history and craftsmanship, while making it easy for customers to purchase directly from a name they recognise and trust.
Client Challenge
Merrydown wanted to launch a direct to consumer ecommerce website to sell its cider online for the first time. With only one core product in the range, the site did not require a complex catalogue. Instead, it needed to balance brand storytelling with a clear and confident purchase journey.
The existing website had not been refreshed for years, so the design needed modernising while staying true to Merrydown’s heritage. As an alcohol brand, the platform also needed to ensure responsible access through an age gate, creating a compliant and secure starting point for the customer journey.
Solution
We built a direct to consumer ecommerce experience using Shopify Hydrogen, delivering a fast and responsive single page site designed around both story and sale. Hydrogen powers a smooth browsing experience, while Shopify provides a secure and trusted checkout flow.
An age gate was implemented at the entry point of the site to ensure responsible access before customers can view content or purchase. The structure of the page guides visitors from heritage and product quality through to purchase, keeping the journey simple and focused. Working with the existing brand identity, we refreshed the design to feel modern while remaining authentic to Merrydown’s roots.
Results
The new website gives Merrydown a dedicated online sales channel that complements its wider presence, while allowing the brand to connect more directly with customers.
1. A Better Experience for Customers
Customers can now explore the story behind Merrydown and purchase in one seamless journey. The clear layout, age verification and fast performance create a straightforward and confident buying experience.
2. A Stronger Brand Presence
The refreshed design reflects the heritage and quality that Merrydown is known for. The site feels current without losing its sense of history, reinforcing trust with an already loyal audience.
3. A Platform for Direct Growth
With a high performance Hydrogen build and Shopify managing ecommerce, Merrydown now has a scalable foundation for direct sales. The brand has greater control over how it presents its product and engages with customers online.
