Cider Briefing For All branches Of The Industry

Delegates were updated on new legislation, the budget submission being made on duty and the ongoing development work of the NACM covering sustainability, social responsibility and improved orchard management.

The fourth NACM Seminar was hosted at Westons Cider and was attended by representatives of the major producers, many artisan cider makers, apple growers and people from the agricultural and sustainability sectors.

Gabe Cook, responsible for communication at the NACM said: “There are some major issues and challenges facing all alcohol sectors as well as some recent legislative changes on cider, hence it is vital to keep all parts of the industry informed.

“In the last decade the work and operation of the NACM has become broader and ever more complex. However, we recognise that it is a strength of our industry that we have a consensus approach and develop considered responses to the issues we tackle.

“Having the chance to share and discuss topics like greater social responsibility and sustainability results in more robust and practical solutions and the willingness to actually get things done.

“We believe this is why the industry has developed a good relationship with government and others and why we hope our case is given due consideration.”

The event highlighted developments ranging from the trials of new apple varieties based on work first instigated 25 years ago and the advances in sustainable practice.

The cider industry has, for example, reduced carbon emissions by 12% (per tonne of output) in the three years from 2005 to 2008, confirming the status of cider as the most sustainable of any drinks industry.

After the discussions, delegates were able to have conducted tours of the Westons site including some of the orchards that surround the plant.

ENDS

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