Cider industry “vital for rural economy”

May 12 2010

The statement reads: 'The NACM welcomes the formation of the new Government and looks forward to working with it for the continued prosperity of the British rural economy. The cider industry is a vital part of that economy providing jobs for local people and for using locally procured raw materials; principally cider apples.The continued economic health of the sector is dependent on a stable tax regime for cider. This above all else encourages long term investment in cider apple orchards and in the sustainable development of markets. The cider industry urges that the actions taken on duty for cider in the run up to the election should cement the duty relationship between beer and cider for some time to come.

The NACM wishes to play an active part, early on, in resolving any issues that affect cider and will work with all political parties to arrive at satisfactory solutions that tackle the identified problems to ensure that bonafide cider makers are not unintentionally caught in any rushed and poorly framed proposals.'

© NACM 2008