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Press Releases
Williamsville's mill to reopen as Mayer Bros. outlet
September 23, 2005: If all goes as planned, Williamsville's historic but financially troubled water mill will open for business Saturday to continue the long autumn tradition of selling apple cider and fresh baked goods.
"We're getting cleaning supplies together to go over there," said Garrett Mayer, the fifth-generation owner of Mayer Bros., which operates a similar business in West Seneca. The Village Board agreed Wednesday to a lease with Mayer Bros. to operate the cider and baked goods business in the mill, on Spring Street off Main Street.
Williamsville's old red mill has been closed since the village bought it out of foreclosure earlier this year, hoping to preserve the site. At less than an acre, the parcel is small but sits atop the escarpment, offering sweeping views of Glen Park and Glen Falls. The village considers it a landmark.
"We're very excited," Williamsville Mayor Mary E. Lowther said. "It's a good match for the village, a good match for residents and we can drink as much cider as we want now."
The opening provides a rare piece of good news for the mill, the center of controversy since its financial failure.
Village trustees have been under fire for paying $450,000 for the site, which is assessed at only about $277,000. They now are scrambling to revitalize it into a revenue-generating operation while retaining its historic nature.
Local developer Skip Cerio has expressed the strongest interest, but his proposal includes building high-priced condominiums -- and a majority of the trustees said Wednesday they were not interested in residential construction.
Mayer Bros. had hoped for a longer-term lease, but that will depend on how the rest of the mill site develops, officials say.
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Mayer Brothers Teams up with Major Distributor
March 1, 2002: Mayer Brothers, Western New York's premier beverage company, is pleased to announce Try-it distributing as the exclusive Mayer Brothers Spring Water distributor for Western New York.
Try-It is the local distributor for major beverage brands including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as Budwieser, Labatt's, and Arizona tea's. Try-it has proven it's ability by making Western New York the number 1 Labatt's distributorship in the USA.
Mayer Brothers began in 1852 as an Apple Cider Mill in West Seneca NY. Over the years it has expanded to include several varieties of beverages including isotonic drinks, fruit juices, and spring water. It has prided itself on quality, and five generations of continuous family management.
Mayer Brothers, armed with a new spring water label, is proud to partner with Try-it for a major branded market entry. "Try-it has an incredible direct store delivery network, with the shelf merchandising staff to back it up," said Eric Mayer "This is the vehicle we need to get our water out to Western New York".
"We are a local company that has been prevented from selling our product locally. After months of negotiation we finally struck a deal, and now we have a partner that is willing to help. I am thrilled to have a strong local presence again," said Garrett Mayer "That is what we have always been about. We all grew up here supporting local companies, and people in this area have wanted to support us. Now I can actually tell those same people that you can buy our water here"
"Try-it is a very professional, powerful organization that is going to do a bang-up job on this, they are the right people to be doing business with." said Garrett Mayer "They participate in WNY, "Thursday at the Square", "Taste of Buffalo", among others that Mayer Brothers is now proud to be a part of. I can't wait for the summer."
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Mayer Brothers Starts Pressing Apples for Fresh Cider!
September 4, 2000: Each autumn, the corner of Transit and Seneca Creek Road in West Seneca, New York, comes to life as the Mayer Bros. Cider Mill begins its season. Because of its wonderful growing climate, orchards across Western New York and southern Ontario supply some of the finest varieties of apples to be pressed into renowned Mayer Bros. cider.
The long, rich history of the Mayer Bros. Cider Mill begins nearly 150 years ago, in 1852, when Jacob Mayer purchased the current building and set up a cider mill to custom press apples for area orchards. The reputation was established immediately for quality juice at the Mayer site.
Jacob's son, John, took over the thriving family business and continued the operation until 1938. That year, the mantle was passed to the third generation, John's sons - Earl, Elmer and Allen. The Mayer Bros. Cider Mill was firmly established, pressing the finest apple cider in Western New York.
For years, Western New Yorkers came from miles around to watch the Mayer family make cider. The heart of the operation was the "rack 'n cloth" press, much the same way cider and juice was pressed for centuries. A large cheesecloth was spread across the rack and crushed apples called "the mash" were spread over the cloth. The cheesecloth was folded over the top to contain the mash, while another rack was placed on top and another cloth unfolded. Layer upon layer of rack and cloth were stacked until about 5,000 pounds of apples were ready to be wheeled into the "press." About 3,000 pounds of pressure was applied, producing around 350 gallons of delicious apple cider. Visitors would have their jugs filled and refilled, making Mayer Bros. Cider Mill a regular event for many area families.
Allen Mayer's son, John, is now at the helm, taking the family business to the next level - a first-class commercial beverage company making the traditional quality cider, apple juice, fruit juices and bottled spring water.
Time constraints, demand for greater amounts of product and more regulated food preparation requirements have forced the replacement of the time-honored rack and cloth press by high-volume commercial presses.
Apples are inspected, washed, and inspected again before beginning their ride up the conveyor to the "hammer mill" where they are crushed into mash. The mash is pumped into one of the three high-volume presses. In spite of the high technology, the inside workings of these presses still extract the juice from the mash through a cheesecloth as hydraulic pressure is applied from the back of the press and juice flows out the front. Twelve tons of mash produce approximately 2,200 gallons of cider each pressing. The juice is filtered and flash pasteurized to ensure the highest quality cider.
If you are one of the folks who have been visiting the Mayer Bros. Cider Mill over the years, you'll likely recall the fragrance of applies being pressed inside this building. That fragrance still hangs in the air, now accompanied by the aroma of fresh-baked apple pies, as well as dozens of tasty fry cake doughnuts and other delightful goodies. The very same structure that housed that original 1852 cider press and watched generations of families come to have jugs filled, has been converted to a quaint "Country Store & Bakery." This building is listed in the national registry of historic sites.
Our staff begins early each morning baking pies and making doughnuts to satisfy the pastry lover in all of us. Mayer Bros. bakery features these fresh-baked pies from Labor Day weekend through Thanksgiving. In fact, you may want to plan to special order pies for your Thanksgiving holiday feast. Doesn't this aroma just make your mouth water?
Also inside the store, you will find an array of other treats. Mayer Bros. also has our own Mayer Bros. brand apple butters, jams, jellies, and fruit preserves. Don't be surprised if one of our staff offers you a sample of one of these goodies.
Imagine your own toast with Mayer Bros. apple butter or Dutch apple jam.
Mayer Bros. Cider Mill strives to feature the goodness of Western New York by featuring other products made right here in our own back yard. "Canned goods" like Martin's pickles and relishes, homemade by Mennonites in Dundee, New York, St. Gregory's Monastery and Farm in Mexico, New York, Atwater's dried fruits from nearby Lyndonville, New York, and right here in Buffalo, delicious Parkside Candy - fudge, sponge candy, and other sweet treats.
When was the last time you had homemade apple crisp? We have the fixin's to help you make it at home. Apple pancake mixes and Western New York maple syrup - what a way to start the morning!
Looking for a unique gift? The Mayer Brothers Cider Mill is especially proud to feature the area's premium display of apple gift items. It is the delight of apple collectors, and once you see the adorable variety, you may want to decorate with apples. Students and teachers alike find the "teacher" gifts a genuine treasure.
You will find a full complement of other terrific Mayer Bros. juices - premium apple juice, cranberry juice blends, and fruit punch.
Of course, many folks still travel great distances to visit the Mayer Bros. Cider Mill to get our gallons of famous Mayer Bros. cider. Team it up with a pie and doughnuts and enjoy one of our great Mayer Bros. "Harvest Pak" specials for a genuine value. Yes, it's fresher at the Mill!
"This has been an unusually dry growing season," comments Garrett Mayer, John's son and the fifth generation family member involved in the business. "While this has resulted in smaller apples, the flavor is going to be much more intense. It's going to be a banner year for cider.":
The Mayer Bros. Cider Mill has made some changes over the years, but one thing remains the same-- Mayer Bros. still produces the finest apple cider in Western New York, and we thank you for taking the time to visit us again this year. Come back often.
More Information: Garrett Mayer ext #167
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Mayer Brothers Acquires Scrumpy Beverage Company
August 21, 2001: Mayer Brothers Fine Beverages of West Seneca, New York, has purchased the Scrumpy Beverage Company in Highland, New York. This acquisition gives Mayer Brothers a stronger presence in eastern New York and markets in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont.
The long, rich history of the Mayer Brothers began nearly 150 years ago, in 1852, when Jacob Mayer purchased the current Cider Mill building on the corner of Seneca Creek and Transit Roads in West Seneca, and set up a processing operation to custom press apples for area orchards. The reputation was established immediately for quality juice at the Mayer site.
Mayer Brothers has grown dramatically and is one of the largest producers and bottlers of fruit juices and natural spring water in the northeastern United States. Products are sold under the Mayer name, as well as private labels.
The Scrumpy Beverage Company has been producing cider and beverages since 1971. They began their business in New Jersey and moved to New York's Hudson Valley to be closer to their source of apples. Products include apple cider, apple juice, apple-cranberry cider, apple-raspberry cider, cranberry juice cocktail, pear cider, iced tea and lemonade. Smoothie drinks include banana slider, berry blitz, ginger flash, mango fandango, scrumpy monkey and tropical.
In Great Britain, "Scrumpy" means cider.
"We are excited to add this well-respected organization to our company," comments John Mayer, president of Mayer Brothers and the fourth generation member of the family to head up the company. "Their attention to quality and business philosophy is what we've strived to deliver to our customers."
Garrett Mayer, John's son and fifth generation member of the family to be involved in the business, is impressed with the additional product lines. "Some of these juice products have not been available in the markets we serve. With our extensive distribution system, we feel that they will add a new dimension to our continued growth."
More Information: Garrett Mayer, Jim Kalec 716-668-1787
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Mayer Brothers Expands Home & Office Market to Ohio
April 26, 2000 -- Mayer Brothers, a Western New York producer of premium juices and bottler of spring water, has opened a spring water distribution office to serve the Youngstown-Warren area. Plans call for this new facility to serve as the main distribution center for the entire state of Ohio as future expansion occurs. Click Here for pics of Grand Opening
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Mayer Bros. Introduces Premium Apple Juice
Mayer Bros. has introduced its newest national beverage product - premium apple juice. Unlike juice made from concentrate, Mayer Bros. premium apple juice is made from whole apples, and contains no sweeteners, preservatives, or other additives.
"We are please to offer this 100% pure apple juice," said Mayer Bros. President John Mayer. "It is a premium product made solely from the freshest, finest, first-rate whole apples, picked from the best orchards in New York State."
A product of the company's state-of-the-art facility in Barker, NY, Mayer Bros. premium apple juice is notable for its exceptional flavor, color and aroma, according to Jim Kalec, Mayer Bros. director of marketing.
"Many of the people asked to taste-test this juice first commented on its aroma," Kalec explained. "They say it reminded them of freshly picked apples." The flavor has been described as refreshing, with a pleasant aftertaste, he added.
Packaged in clear 64 ounce pinch grip PET plastic bottles, premium apple juice will be sold under the Mayer Bros. brand name, and offered for private label. Mayer says regardless of how consumers buy the company's newest product, they can be assured of getting the best apple juice on the market.
"Mayer Bros. has spent more than 150 years in building a reputation for quality, absolute purity and unconditional freshness. We guarantee complete satisfaction," Mayer said.
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Exceptional Customer Service During 1998 Cider Season
Mayer Bros. says the 1998 cider season has been its most successful ever, especially in terms of customer service. Jim Kalec, director of marketing, says the company achieved 100% on-time delivery to each of its customers.
"We began the 1998 season by promising to fill customers' orders within a lead time of three business days," Kalec recalls. "Mayer Bros. not only achieved that goal, but was able to respond to 20% of this season's orders within 12 hours!"
Mayer Bros. produces cider under 20 different private labels for retailers in the Great Lakes, New England and the Middle Atlantic regions. Mayer Bros. premium cider is also sold under the company's own label by retail chains in western New York. In 1998 Mayer Bros. pressed more than 15,000 tons of apples into cider.
More about Mayer Bros... Mayer Bros. first began operations in 1852, when Jacob Mayer purchased a West Seneca, NY cider mill. Though the cider mill continues to operate, Mayer Bros. has grown into a major regional provider of beverage products, including bottled spring water, natural juices, fruit punch and iced tea.
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More Beverages in New Packages
Mayer Bros. Inc. unveiled new packaging plans for its fruit juices and other natural beverages at the Private Label Manufacturer's Association trade show.
Jim Kalec, Mayer Bros. director of marketing, also announced that five cranberry blends will be added to the line of beverages offered for private label.
Effective February 1, 1999, Mayer Bros. juices and natural beverages will be offered in 64 oz. and 96 oz. pinch grip PET bottles. Mayer Bros. juice products are currently available in standard 64 oz. PET bottles.
Kalec said the five new blends will be cranberry juice combined with strawberry, grape, cherry, apple and raspberry juice. Other beverages available for private label are Mayer Bros. Premium Apple Juice Bros. Premium
"This expansion of Mayer Bros. beverage line demonstrates the company's commitment to present products for private label that offer consumers quality, convenience and value," Kalec said. "Packaging our juices in 64-and-96 oz. pinch grip PET bottles makes our products that much more competitive with national brands."
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Mayer Bros. Offers Fluoridated Water in 16.9 oz. PET Bottle
Mayer Bros. announced at the Private Label Manufacturers Association Trade Show in Chicago that its fluoridated spring water will be available for private label in a 16.9 oz. PET bottle with sport cap, beginning January 3, 1999.
Mayer Bros., a regional producer of natural beverage products, including spring water, apple cider, juices, fruit punch and iced tea, is the East Coast's only source of fluoridated bottled water.
Recent news stories have linked an increase in bottled water consumption with a corresponding increase in tooth decay, especially among children. Anticipating this problem, Mayer Bros. first introduced fluoridated spring water in March 1997 as an alternative to fluoridated tap water.
"Packaging fluoridated spring water in 16.9 oz. sport cap PET bottles will make it even more attractive to those who need it most -- children, teens, and young adults," Mayer Bros. Director of Marketing Jim Kalec explained. Fluoridated spring water is also available for retail sale in gallon plastic jugs and for home/office delivery in five gallon bottles.
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Mayer Bros.: Ahead of the Rest in Pasteurization Technology
Mayer Bros. Cider Mill, the largest mill in New York State and producer of fresh cider, kicks off its 145th season with the ceremonial bottling of its first jug of cider this week. The event comes on the heels of a federal government request that producers of unpasteurized cider voluntarily label their products as potentially dangerous after several people fell ill last year after consuming unpasteurized cider.
"Mayer Bros. fully supports the Federal Drug Administration's decision regarding the labeling of unpasteurized cider products," James F. Kalec, Mayer Bros. General Sales Manager, said. "While the pasteurization process can be expensive and may have adverse effect on the smaller cider vendors, (product labeling) it is ultimately best for our consumers."
Mayer Bros. has been "flash pasteurizing" all of its cider products for 15 years. The procedure involves heating cider at 160 degrees for 30 seconds. The process has no noticeable effect on the cider's flavor. "We guarantee customer satisfaction and stand behind our products 100 percent," Kalec said. "Mayer Bros. has long been the leader when it comes to processing the freshest, safest juices in Western New York." Kalec said the pasteurization process has no effect on consumer pricing.
Asked what consumers should look for when shopping for apple cider this fall, Kalec replied, "obviously make certain the cider is pasteurized, and hopefully make sure it's from Mayer Bros. because the consumers will know it's safe. Every jug of cider our customers purchase, whether at the mill or at the supermarket has been pressed and bottled within the last three days." To maintain its fresh taste, Mayer Bros. cider must be kept refrigerated and consumed within two weeks.
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