Around the UK there are over 16,000 orchards, growing a wide variety of cider apples for the sole purpose of making one of Britain’s favourite drinks. The recent Government proposal of an increase in duty rates threatens to have a significant impact on the industry and will put the livelihoods of fruit growers and cider makers, as well as the countryside, at risk.

With origins dating back as far as the Roman Empire, cider is a much-loved drink both in the UK and abroad and forms an important part of Britain’s heritage and culture.  Orcharding and growing cider apples is a big commitment and a typical cider orchard takes a decade to reach maturity.  

Cider apple orchards are a much-treasured part of local communities and provide a picturesque backdrop to many villages, provide cider routes that bring hundreds of thousands of tourists to the counties, and provide much needed employment in rural areas.

Well managed orchards also support a huge range of biodiversity. Natural hedgerows support the native bird population and wide planting areas and natural watercourses attract a diverse range of insects including pollinators such as bees. Many farmers go further by including additional features in their orchards such as bat boxes.

Bruce Starkey apple grower said; “A significant factor of the UK cider industry is that this is not a crop that is sold on the open market, we grow acres of orchards under contract to one or two cider makers. The relationship between grower and cider maker requires significant trust on both sides. I must ensure that my orchards are well tended and produce the highest possible yield of fruit, and in turn, I trust the cider maker to promote their drinks and grow the market. The diversity of the cider market is critical to both of us, as we need a wide range of people buying and enjoying cider.”

Following recent announcements made by the Government, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis, the price of cider will be too high and prohibitive for consumers. From August next year, duty rates for cider will change and drinks with higher alcohol levels will pay significantly more duty.

For example, from 2023 a 6.5% alcohol cider will face around a 40% increase in excise duty and any cider that has an alcohol level of more than 4.6% ABV will face duty increases. This means that the heart of the traditional cider category, that generally has a higher alcohol content, will experience the greatest impact. These changes will have a significant effect on the industry and threaten the livelihoods of all those involved in the supply chain from fruit growers to the makers of British made cider.

Fenella Tyler, Chief Executive at National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) said: “With the general rise in the cost of living and a planned increase in tax throughout the industry, cider makers are extremely concerned that these changes in tax will result in a loss of cider apple orchards as the market shrinks further. The impact of these economic proposals could lead to orchards being lost for good as they are only used to grow cider apples, and once removed they are unlikely to ever be replanted.

Whilst the government plans to introduce support for the smallest cider makers, there will be nothing to support the medium/small-medium sized cider makers that have been passed down through the generations and provide interest and diversity in the drinks category. 

It is crucial that we raise awareness of the impact that the Government reform could have on our industry and campaign to protect fruit growers, orcharding, cider apples and cider makers for even more generations to come. “

For more information, please visit https://cideruk.com.

About National Association of Cider Makers (NACM)

Formed in 1920, the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) represents cider makers, large and small, across Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The NACM supports the passion that comes from all cider producers whilst working with European counterparts. The association shares information about growing orchards, making cider and how to deliver the best product. As an industry body, the NACM liaises with the government, championing the vital role the industry plays in rural communities and promoting the UK as the most important cider nation in the world.