The National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) has sought support for a cut in cider duty at a parliamentary reception hosted with the All-Party Parliamentary Cider Group.
Attended by MPs including Rt Hon Liz Truss MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the event provided a briefing on the important role cider makers play in the rural economy and was a chance to recognise the industry’s valuable contribution to local employment and Britain’s heritage.
Martin Thatcher, Chair of the NACM, addressed attendees and was introduced by Bill Wiggin MP. He highlighted that UK cider represents 48% of the global market, with 18,000 acres of orchard across Britain (the equivalent of 30,000 football pitches full of cider apples) and some 265,000 million tonnes of apples produced each year. It was noted that the cider industry provides jobs for more than 7,000 people in the UK and injects £1 billion over the life of its contract into the rural economy – all of which is at risk due to a decline in UK apple cider sales.
Speaking at the event, Martin Thatcher, Chair of the NACM, said: “It was a great privilege to host a parliamentary reception with the All-Party Parliamentary Cider Group and to have the opportunity to address so many MPs directly about the negative impact the duty rate is having on the UK cider industry.
“Sales have continued to fall in the last year, a decline that started when the duty escalator was first introduced – naturally this is of grave concern to us as the UK cider industry is vital to the rural economy and the people who work in it. This event provided a platform to not only celebrate our cider makers but to put out a call in their name to secure support for a cut in duty which will enable investment, stimulate sales growth and ultimately protect this heritage product for generations to come.”
Attendees at the parliamentary reception were invited to sample a number of UK-produced apple ciders and meet the makers behind the brands.
