Jul 2, 2025
Pictured: BCMA Winners Claire Daniels and Mike Shorland from Rull Orchard with Barny Butterfield, Sandford Orchards
Sandford Orchards has just announced that Rull Orchard has won their 2025 Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards with their Autumn Unwrapped Perry (5.5% ABV). These unique awards, which offer aspiring cider makers the chance to win an invaluable package of vouchers, guidance and guaranteed listings in the on and off trade, are designed to support the future of cider in the UK.
Rull Orchards Autumn Unwrapped Perry
Claire Daniels from Rull Orchard comments: “We’re over the moon to receive this award! It’s wonderful to have our natural, full juice perry recognised by a panel of such acclaimed judges, and very exciting to be part of a growing appreciation for sustainably produced drinks that reflect our passion for nature and biodiversity. We’re very much looking forward to collaborating with Barny and our future journey in creating and promoting cider and perry.”
Barny Butterfield, MD of Sandford Orchards and founder of the awards explains:”Rull Orchard is a worthy winner of these awards. Their Autumn Unwrapped Perry is technically sensational. Every judge on the day wished they could make a perry of this quality. If you are looking for flavour, character and style, you simply will not believe what Rull has landed here.”
Silver Winners Canterbury Cider
Silvers were awarded to Canterbury Cider for its Celebration Cider (ABV 6%) and to Tippetts Cider for its Crow Cider (ABV 4.8%). The judges described Celebration Cider as a wonderful introduction to cider for the curious; brilliantly approachable, very smooth and well made. They felt that Crow Cider was a rich, easy drinking, balanced cider with delightful tannins and baked apple flavours.
The Breakthrough Cider Maker Award entrants were judged by industry experts including Gabe Cook, The Ciderologist, Tom Oliver, from Oliver’s Cider and Perry and Mary Topp from New Forest Cider and The London Cider House.
Gabe Cook says: “I was particularly delighted that it was a Perry that sealed the win for Rull. Clearly they are relishing blending their drinks and are determined to share the joy of cider and perry, far and wide. What an honour it was to taste through a wonderful selection of ciders and perries.”
Silver winners Tippetts Cider
Tom Oliver adds: “This was my favourite and hardest Breakthrough Cider Awards judging! The standard of liquids, packaging and storytelling was compelling from several makers. But in the end the result was unanimous. The perry was one of the finest anyone at the table had tasted in a long time and Rull Orchard’s passion shined through their application.”
Mary Topp finishes: “I’m delighted by the success of all the winners in this year’s Breakthrough Awards. The distinct regional flavours showcased by Tippetts and Canterbury’s Silver awards were excellent examples of how English cider has evolved, proving there’s truly a cider out there for every palate. For The London Cider House, involvement with the Breakthrough Awards is incredibly important. We’re so proud to support initiatives that champion future leaders in cider.”
Rull Orchard will receive a prize package that includes a £500 Vigo voucher, a £250 Murphy & Son voucher, a listing at their local Stable Pizza, a listing at The London Cider House, a Sandford Orchards collaboration limited edition cider and a visit by Sandford Orchards’ cider makers to offer practical help and advice about set up. The two runners up will both receive a £200 voucher from Bag In Box Shop UK plus a £100 voucher from Murphy & Son. All three winners will receive a 12 month listing at Darts Farm, Devon and a 12 month listing on www.sandfordorchards.co.uk.
The Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards were launched by Sandford Orchards at the end of 2019 and aim to recognise and celebrate excellent quality whole juice ciders from around the UK. Sandford Orchards would like to thank Gabe Cook, Tom Oliver and Mary Topp for judging and Vigo, Murphy & Son, The Bag In Box Shop, The Stable, The London Cider House and Darts Farm for their support and prize donations.
To celebrate the awards, Sandford Orchards has created a fantastic Breakthrough Cider Maker Taster Case containing all the winning ciders, which is available from www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, RRP £35.00.
For further information on the Sandford Orchards Breakthrough Cider Maker Awards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk/cider-awards or follow Sandford Orchards on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Jun 26, 2025
Producers and retailers gear up as consumers turn to cider for summer refreshment.
UK cider makers are gearing up for a buoyant summer as the category reclaims its natural place as the drink of the season. With increased consumer interest in provenance, freshness and naturally made drinks, cider is firmly on the radar of discerning drinkers and this summer offers a golden opportunity to celebrate the category’s unique strengths.
From heritage rich ciders made on family farms to low alcohol innovative blends, producers across the UK are investing in new products, formats and messaging to meet seasonal demand and drive growth across the on- and off-trade.
David Sheppy, Chair of the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM), commented:
“Summer has always been cider’s moment but this year we’re seeing real momentum across the board. Consumers are actively seeking out British made drinks with a story, and cider delivers just that. We’re proud to see innovation coming through alongside tradition and that combination is helping to widen the category’s appeal.”
The NACM is encouraging retailers and the trade to spotlight cider as a seasonal hero, with key talking points including:
- Freshness and provenance – made with pressed apples in British orchards.
- Diverse flavour profiles – from tannic, traditional styles to lighter, modern blends.
- Natural and lower ABV options – aligning with health-conscious consumer behaviour.
- Sustainability credentials – with many producers championing regenerative agriculture and circular production.
With cider sales often peaking between June and September, retailers are advised to review their ranges, support British producers and create clear signposting in-store and online.
“The cider category has more to offer than ever before,” Sheppy added. “Whether it’s draught or bottle, traditional or fruit-led, there’s strong consumer interest and we’d love to see more listings, trial opportunities and feature space over the coming months.”
The message is clear: cider belongs at the heart of the British summer and the trade is well placed to help the category shine.
Jun 26, 2025
The National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) brought together around 200 apple growers, orchard managers, and cider producers this week at Sheppy’s Cider in Somerset for the 2025 Growers Orchard Walk, a key opportunity for technical exchange and sector-wide discussion amid growing pressure from policy changes affecting farm businesses.
The event was hosted by David Sheppy, NACM Chair and sixth-generation cider maker at Three Bridges Farm, which manages 90 acres of cider orchards alongside a pedigree Longhorn herd. The farm operates under an SFI agreement and has invested in sustainability measures including a 39kVA solar installation, a closed-loop wetland waste system, and a biomass boiler to support the farm’s hospitality operations.
In his opening remarks, Sheppy did not shy away from the impact of recent regulatory changes.
“The last 12 months have been some of the most disruptive I can remember,” he said. “Inheritance tax uncertainty, the abrupt closure of SFI options, cost burdens from Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR), and changes to excise duty have all hit hard. Add to that wage and National Insurance increases, and our margins are under real strain.”
The pEPR charge alone is estimated to have added 7–10p per bottle of cider from April 2025.
Despite these challenges, Sheppy was resolute in the cider sector’s long-term outlook.
“This industry is worth £3 billion a year. Over 700 million litres of cider are produced annually, supporting around 15,500 acres of orchard across the UK. We are the largest cider market globally, and growers are central to that success.”
Attendees took part in technical orchard tours, equipment demonstrations and heard from experts on orchard management practices and innovations. The event also gave growers a chance to speak directly with industry leaders and peers about navigating policy and market shifts.
The NACM, which represents over 90% of UK cider production, has joined forces with other drinks producers to raise concerns with government about the cumulative impact of new legislation on rural enterprises and supply chains.
“Partnership between growers and makers has always underpinned this sector,” Sheppy added. “It’s vital that we continue working together to preserve this industry for future generations, and to ensure British cider remains competitive, sustainable, and rooted in our farming heritage.”
Jun 5, 2025
June 2025: Pedalling To Pubs 2025 has officially begun as hospitality industry leaders hit the pavement for an epic 220km sponsored bike ride across the Lake District, all to raise vital funds for leading hospitality charities the LTC (Licensed Trade Charity) and Only A Pavement Away.
Setting out this morning (5th June), 60 industry leaders will cycle from Penrith to Cockermouth, to Carlisle and then back to Penrith, crossing the finish line on 7th of June. Currently in its third year, Pedalling To Pubs 2025 is already well underway to surpass last year’s incredible total, with fundraising having reached £85,000 and climbing. The funds raised are vital for allowing the charities to support even more people entering, currently employed in, or leaving the hospitality sector.
This year’s headline sponsor is Polaris Elements, with the ride also supported by Lucky Saint, and partners BII and Thatchers Cider.
Steve Alton, Lead Rider and CEO at the BII, said: “We’re thrilled to be involved in such a flagship fundraising event for our industry. At the BII we see firsthand the challenges that hospitality is facing, and Pedalling To Pubs is a reminder of how brilliant our industry is at coming together to support each other. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far, it makes all the aches and pains worth it!”
Chris Welham, CEO of the LTC, said: “It’s fantastic to be setting out in the Lake District for my second ride with Pedalling To Pubs. This is such a fantastic initiative, and I have been able to see firsthand the difference that this fundraising makes.
“The funds allow us to continue providing health and wellbeing support, practical advice and financial assistance for individuals currently or previously working in the licensed hospitality community. If you haven’t already, please do back one of the riders: it’s a mammoth cycle and your support will keep us going up those hills!”
Greg Mangham, Founder and CEO of Only A Pavement Away, said: “We’re so grateful to each one of the 60 industry leaders who are embarking on this incredible challenge. The remarkable funds raised reflects the hard work and dedication that everyone involved has invested into this year’s ride. The funds we receive from Pedalling To Pubs allow us to continue building brighter futures, giving those wanting to rebuild their lives a pathway into long term, stable employment within hospitality.”
To find out more or to donate, visit https://pedallingtopubs.org.uk/pedalling-2-pubs-2025/
About Pedalling To Pubs
Pedalling To Pubs is a charity bike ride with hospitality at its heart. Created in recognition and support of disadvantaged people from around the pub, brewery and wider hospitality sectors.
Pedalling To Pubs, in support of the LTC and Only A Pavement Away, is committed to helping these causes, as well as promoting higher visibility for positive change in the hospitality industry.
The money raised will be channelled into projects that support those in need, through the LTC and Only A Pavement Away. The cycling challenges have been created as a collaborative support effort by industry professionals, KAM and the BII, as well as The Licensed Trade Charity and Only A Pavement Away themselves.
About the LTC (Licensed Trade Charity)
Founded in 1793, the LTC helps those currently working, looking for work or previously employed in the licensed hospitality community to proactively build, manage, maintain and enhance their health and wellbeing.
LTC provides practical advice, financial assistance and health and wellbeing support through its website, 24-hour free helpline and Employee Assistance Programme, empowering people to build confidence, resilience and take action to live well. The Charity is also dedicated to helping people with their personal development and their work skills so they can thrive personally, professionally – and unleash their potential.
In 2024, LTC transformed the lives of over 40,000 people through its unrivalled network of experts and specialists providing free help and support.
The charity also runs three fully funded independent schools, providing education and learning support for many children from the sector.
Visit LTC to find out more.
About Only a Pavement Away
Only A Pavement Away was established by hospitality industry consultant, Greg Mangham and his wife Gill, on World Homeless Day, 10th October 2018, to support anyone facing, or at risk of homelessness, find employment in the hospitality sector. The charity acts as a vital bridge between forward-thinking employers and charity referral partners to help individuals reintegrate back into society. To date, the charity has placed 720 people into work, adding an approximate value of £30M to the economy through reduced government support, financial independence, and household expenditure.
Visit www.onlyapavementaway.co.uk for more information, and connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
Jun 3, 2025
MPs gathered in the Houses of Parliament this week to mark World Cider Day, celebrating the rich tradition and growing innovation of British cider making. The event, hosted by the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM), brought together a large number of Members of Parliament to sample a wide array of ciders, from heritage styles to modern low and no-alcohol varieties.
The UK is the largest cider market in the world, with a category value of £3.09 billion annually. Cider making is not only a deeply rooted rural tradition but also a vital sector, contributing to the British economy through employment, tourism, farming and community development.
Ciders from across the country including Herefordshire, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and beyond were showcased. MPs were invited to taste a range of still, sparkling, and low-alcohol ciders, including bag-in-box formats, a key offering for the hospitality sector. The event highlighted the diversity, quality, and sustainability of modern British cider making.
World Cider Day is now celebrated worldwide from beach bars in Australia to bars in the US with cider makers in South Africa, Japan, Europe, and beyond joining the festivities.
Mark Hopper, Public Affairs Director of the NACM, said:
“The traditions of cider making go back centuries in Great Britain, with roots firmly planted in our rural communities. Cider is significantly important to the economy through employment and farming. We are thrilled that so many MPs came along to recognise the importance of cider and support our industry.”
Sarah Dyke MP, Member of Parliament for Glastonbury and Somerton, said:
“Cider is a proud part of our local heritage in Somerset and across the UK. Celebrating World Cider Day is not only a toast to tradition but a chance to honour the dedication and craftsmanship of British cider makers. I’m delighted to raise a glass in Parliament to recognise their vital contribution to our rural communities and economy.”
