Feb 19, 2017
As the days start to get longer, and the snowdrops wave their cheery white flags, it feels like the worst of winter is now behind us. To add to this good news is the latest from the world of cider.
Thanks to a rising interest in quality drinks, Russians are turning to British according to the Mail on Sunday
Small Cider Maker, Rosie’s Triple D, is celebrating doubling its production thanks to one of Britain’s highest orchards in North Wales
Thatchers announce a new guide to Cider and Food matching from writer, autor and TV broadcaster, Suzy Atkins,
Feb 7, 2017
The National Association of Cider Makers and (NACM) and the All Party Parliamentary Cider Group (APPCG) hosted its Winter reception at Westminster last night. The event was a great success, with over 150 people from across Government and the wider drinks industry, in attendance.
The Reception showcased the breadth of cider makers in what is a highly dynamic category. Premium products were served to attendees from cider makers, big and small, highlighting the innovative, entrepreneurial and adaptive nature of this rural industry.
But the focus of the evening was very much about the cider industry’s responsible approach to future prosperity. In delivering the keynote speech, Helen Thomas, Managing Director of Westons Cider and Chair of the NACM, emphasised that the cider industry was primarily rurally based and worked hard to uphold the proud tradition and strong reputation of its craft. She said, “We are often one of the largest employers in our communities and as a result we have always recognised the need for community support, local investment, sponsorship of rural training and employment. When we think of our own future, we also consider the future needs of those around us.”
Helen was adamant to point out that as a forward thinking and progressive industry, cider makers don’t just consider their local communities, though. She emphasised the need for cider makers to behave responsibly as they develop and market their brands.
She said, ‘We have always prided ourselves on how quickly we are able to support consumer education with clearer messages on our labels, better information on our websites and support for Drinkaware and the Portman Group. Better education has resulted in reports of excellent improvements in responsible drinking. In the last decade, total alcohol consumption in the UK has fallen by 18% and the number of adults drinking within recommended guidelines has risen to 76%. 38% fewer under 16s have tried drinking alcohol and alcohol related crime is at an all-time low.’
A continued responsible approach towards its local communities and to its consumers will ensure that the cider industry is well placed to return the market to growth.
Helen summed up the mood of the evening. She said, ‘This reception is all about celebrating the great British cider industry and what we bring to the UK economy, especially our rural communities. It is about celebrating an industry that has been here for centuries and we hope will be here for centuries to come. It is a celebration of the diversity of British cider and the passion and enthusiasm of the British cider maker.’
Jan 20, 2017
Happy Friday from Cider HQ. Blue Monday is past us and here we are on this glorious eve of the weekend, which must mean it’s time to round up the latest cider news. Enjoy.
Off License News sets out its stall for 2017 predictions, and the opportunities for cider look strong.
Thatchers have released two traditional ciders in can for the first time. Called Stan’s Cider, they’re named after current MD Martin Thatcher’s grandfather.
Wassailers have been out in force this last week, celebrating Old Twelvey. Possibly the biggest wassail in the country was held at Rich’s Cider in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset.
We learn more about that makes Martin Thatcher tick in this in-depth piece.
Jan 20, 2017
Are you a Feta fan, a Stilton stalwart, or a Cheddar champion? If so, you might be keen to know that today is National Cheese Lover’s Day. Cider and cheese are the perfect complement to one another, and work well together on so many levels.
Cheddar (surely the Nation’s favourite?) is from one of cider’s heartland regions in Somerset, with large and small cider makers right on the doorstep. I can think of few better food and drink pairings than a large lump of mature Cheddar, a door-step sized slice of crusty white bread, and a glass of dry, bittersweet cider. But, there are other great matchings to be had: why not try a fresh, zingy goat’s cheese with a fruity, medium cider or a fully ripe brie with a crisp, dry cider? The options are endless – the fun bit is experimenting to find out what works best for you.
There are a surprising number of meals where cider and cheese combine as ingredients to create delicious dishes. A British take on Mac n’ Cheese, for example, could involve a glug of bold, dry cider. Similarly, why not try using some cider next time you have a dinner party, go retro and dust off the fondue set. The addition of a crisp, dry cider will provide a bite of acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese.
Cider and perry can sometimes even be integral to the cheese making process itself. The Famous Stinking Bishop cheese, from Charles Martell in Gloucestershire, has been rind-washed in perry, providing that fabulous pungent aroma that so befits the name. Whilst former Blur bassist, Alex James, has crafted the multi-award-winning Goddess cheese, which has been rind-washed in Somerset Cider Brandy. Fabulous!
So why not celebrate National Cheese Lover’s Day in the best possible way: with a glass of great British cider!
Jan 13, 2017
It’s been a busy week on Planet Cider what with Pagan ceremonies and New Year announcements. Here’s a roundup of the latest news.
The Daily Mail and the BBC, amongst many others, reported on the ancient custom of Wassailing with some wonderful photography.
The Daily Telegraph goes behind the scenes at the award winning Sheppy’s Cider in Somerset to learn the secret of their success.
Thatchers Cider have announced their headline sponsorship of the Royal Bath and West Show, which takes place in June, and is home of the British Cider Championships.
The European Cider Association, AICV, has launched its European Cider Trends Update for 2016, still showing the UK as the leading cider market.
