Mar 4, 2020
Following its successful debut in 2019, CraftCon, the only UK conference for aspiring and existing commercial craft cider makers, returns in April with the key theme of sustainability running throughout its programme. This relates not only to the environmental impact of orchards and cider making, but also to equipping businesses with the ability to grow and to build a long term future.
“With 60% of the world’s cider produced in the UK, we are uniquely vulnerable to changes which affect the viability of orchards in the UK, both from a climatic and commercial perspective,” said programme chair Tom Tibbits of Artistraw Cider. “In uncertain times, fostering a resilient and vibrant industry founded on genuine sustainability will ensure future generations also inherit our ancient yet robustly modern cider culture.
Arriving at Pershore College on 24 and 25 April and organised by the Three Counties Cider & Perry Association, renowned cider authority Andrew Lea will provide context in his keynote address, reflecting on the work of Long Ashton Research Station and more recent progress in cider.
“With the ever rising interest in craft cider and perry, this event comes at exactly the right time to support a vibrant and growing industry,” said TCCPA chair, Simon Day of Once Upon A Tree. “Twice as big and twice as good as 2019, this year’s CraftCon has an amazing line-up of speakers and panellists who are ready to enthuse, educate and energise cider and perry producers from across the UK and beyond.”
With three strands covering the Cidery, Orcharding and Business, vital current topics to be covered include responding to the climate emergency, raising finance, and the quest for sustainable business models embracing duty reform.
BBC Food & Farming Drinks Producer of the Year, Ross Cider, appear amongst an impressive roster of talks drawn from all sectors of the independent cider sector, including presentations from Dave Matthews, Bartestree Cider, and Ragged Stone Cider’s Chris Atkins on the future of perry.
Orchard-strand highlights include Professor Paul Hadley, from the University of Reading who will improve our understanding of how future climate scenarios might impact perennial tree fruit crops in Apples in a Warming World while an orcharding expert panel explores Diversity in the Orchard.
The Ciderologist Gabe Cook will lead panels on kegging, while Pilton Cider’s Martin Berkeley joins Simon Day to explore co-ferments and cider hybrids.
SIBA’s head of public affairs, Barry Watts, joins NACM’s Mark Hopper to bring previous experience to assist the campaign for cider duty reform. Caitlin Braam, formerly of Seattle Cider Company and Angry Orchard and now president of Zafa Wines, will lend international inspiration on building a cider business, while Cider Women, the vibrant new pan-industry group, will take the opportunity to update on progress and to chart its future direction.
Cider Doctors, a chance for delegates to share their ciders with the experts, returns, as does the Grafting 101 masterclass led by Tom Tibbits.
The ever popular Cider Share takes place on the evening of the first day, with a new public event, Craft Cider Uprising, destined for The Angel Hotel in Pershore on Saturday 25 April. Sponsored by the National Association of Cider Makers, this will celebrate the remarkably rich gathering of cider talent with local townsfolk and cider fans from further afield. Full programme available here.
Feb 11, 2020
In their submission to the Treasury ahead of the Spring Budget, the NACM has asked for special consideration to be given to cider. Gordon Johncox, chair of the NACM explains “Cider has been in decline since 2009 and the impacts are being felt across the industry and cider supply chain. Around 1,000 acres of cider apple orchards have been lost in the last year as the need for cider apples falls in line with the market. The pressure is being felt across the South West, Herefordshire and other cider making regions, impacting investment and innovation.” The standard cider category is now just 5.4% of the total drinks market, significantly smaller than it was a decade ago whilst in the same period changes to excise duty have resulted in the tax on cider moving closer to other categories.
“We need a 2p per pint reduction in excise duty, which will help return the cider category to growth, supporting rural employment, farming and tourism. It is also time that the broader structure for cider excise duty is reviewed. It is patently unfair that fruit ciders are treated as wine rather than cider. We are asking that a definition is put in place so that these ciders are recognised and better protected to support innovation and growth across the category.” Gordon explains. “In addition, the case for more support for small cider makers continues to grow. Currently these small scale operators represent over 90% of cider makers, but less than 3% of category volume. We are asking the Treasury to introduce a progressive cider duty that would support growth and innovation and create more jobs. We need consultation across the cider industry to ensure that this can be achieved in a way that encourages growth whilst continuing to protect the smallest cider makers who currently rely on the 70Hl duty relief”.
The NACM has explained to the Treasury that the current concerns around post Brexit impacts on the cider industry, continue to create more uncertainty for the industry, especially around export and supply chain issues Cider makers create rural jobs, invest in their communities and encourage over half a million tourists to visit each year. Gordon concludes “Cider really is a Great British success story and we ask that it is given more support to encourage growth, innovation and success. We hope that we will be raising a glass of cider to the Chancellor on 11th March”.
Feb 6, 2020
The reception, held on in the terrace marquee at Westminster and hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Cider Group saw more than 100 cider makers, apple growers and others connected to the cider industry, gather together to talk to MPs and officials. Opening the evening, Ian Liddell-Grainger, chair of the APPCG, held aloft a cider apple as a reminder of just how important cider making is to rural communities and farming.
Gordon Johncox, Chair of the National Association of Cider Makers and CEO of Aston Manor, spoke on behalf of the industry, highlighting the issues faced by those making cider and growing cider apples. The association is celebrating its centenary this year and he looked back on the highs and lows of the last 100 years.
Gordon explained “The cider market is shrinking at extraordinary rates over the last decade. The decline has been faster and more damaging than any in recent history we are under no illusion that if immediate action is not taken then the situation will deteriorate. This Christmas was one of the worst we have experienced and whilst I recognise that alcohol sales in general were just over 1% worse than last year, cider rate of decline was over 5% and the trend is continuing to deteriorate.” The industry is calling for a 2p per pint reduction in excise duty in the Spring Budget, Gordon continued, “The current relationship between cider excise duty and other categories is out of step and has contributed to a 27% decline in volume over the last decade. We urgently need excise duty to be reduced and realigned”.
Gordon shared more about the close working relationship between cider apple growers and cider makers, explaining that the apple is at the heart of cider making and that most cider makers rely on the strong relationship that they have built with local farmers, who grow apples for them across 18,000 acres of orchards. The market decline is now impacting these farmers and last year around 1,000 acres of orchards were lost as demand fell.
Whilst the market picture was far from cheerful, the mood in the room was optimistic as cider makers from around the country talked to MPs and officials whilst they sampled the tremendous range of ciders on display, all made from the simple apple.
Highlighting the need for a review of regulations impacting the cider industry, Gordon explained that moving out of the EU provides a once in a generation opportunity to shape the regulatory environment to better support our food and drink businesses, and to support farming and provided two examples that would contribute to future industry success. Small cider makers excise relief is outdated and hampering growth, whilst Fruit Ciders which have been around for hundreds of years, are treated as wine rather than cider.
The start of a new decade is a time for optimism, and celebrating the wonders of apple growing, cider making and rural life. Gordon concluded “We hope that along with a great harvest, that this year will also see good fortune return to the cider market. We are asking for support, to turn cider back into a success story, support that will enable our cider makers to innovate and encourage more interest in our category, contribute to local employment, tourism and of course farming”.
Jan 9, 2020
Thatchers Cider has introduced Zero, its first alcohol-free* cider.
Thatchers Zero has all the appley aromas and crisp refreshment expected from the master cidermakers at Myrtle Farm. With a beautifully bright, golden appearance, crisp, medium dry taste, and fruity aroma, this is a cider that at 0.0%, will appeal to those looking to moderate their alcohol consumption.
Crafted using a selection of Thatchers favourite bittersweet apple varieties, the blend of traditional and modern apples creates an alcohol-free cider with body, smoothness and character. Thatchers cidermakers have developed their own unique process to create Thatchers Zero.
“We’ve taken a lot of time and care in the production of Zero,” says Martin Thatcher, managing director and fourth generation cidermaker. “Created to be full of taste from the start, this is a no-alcohol cider that meets the growing consumer expectation for moderation, but just as importantly offers great character and is something special and enjoyable to drink. It offers the premium experience people are looking for when choosing an alcohol-free alternative.”
Yvonne Flannery, Head of Brands at Thatchers adds, “Gone are the days when drinkers will compromise on quality. As an increasing number of people are looking to moderate their alcohol intake as part of a mindful lifestyle, consumers can now opt for Thatchers Zero and not feel they’re missing out on a really enjoyable glass of cider.”
Like all other ciders in its range, Thatchers Zero is gluten free and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Thatchers is committed to sustainability. The Somerset cidermaker is greatly reducing the plastic in its packaging, it is minimising waste throughout the business, and is creating its own energy at Myrtle Farm.
Thatchers Zero has an RRP for 500ml of £1.80.
It is currently available in Thatchers Cider Shop in Sandford, in the Railway Inn, Sandford, and online at www.thatcherscider.co.uk
*Thatchers Zero is no more than 0.05% abv.
Oct 25, 2019
Around 120 industry visitors, 16 speakers from 14 countries: Another success for the international trade conference for cider
Frankfurt, 18. October 2019 – This has developed into the most important industry event worldwide: the Global Cider Forum, organised by the European umbrella association of cider and fruit wine producers, AICV and the Association of the German Fruit Wine and Fruit Sparkling Wine Industry (VdFw). For the third time in a row, the conference took place in Frankfurt am Main, the German stronghold of cider. “The market for cider continues to grow with more and more markets entering the category worldwide,” said Fenella Tyler, President of the AICV, in her opening speech. Growth in recent years has been around 20 percent, and the cider market continues to be one of the fastest growing markets for alcoholic beverages. Manufacturers, suppliers, representatives from insight and sales – a total of around 120 visitors attended the 3rd Global Cider Forum in Frankfurt and with presentations from 16 speakers.
The conference programme included presentations from key cider and fruit wine markets as well as providing insights into consumer trends, potential challenges and opportunities the sector could face in future.
Kevin Baker, Global Research Manager Beer & Cider at Global Data, presented key trends in alcoholic beverage consumption and how they relate to the cider market. Gordon Johncox CEO of Aston Manor gave insights into the largest cider market – the UK, while Alexandra and Klaus Demuth from Katlneburger Kellerei did the same for the largest fruit wine market – Germany. Sam Reid from Willie Smith’s cidery gave an inspirational talk about cider making in Australia. Further insights and updates were provided by Signe Skovgaard Nielsen, Global Brand Manager at Carlsberg and Marius Lambrechts, Group Manager at Distell South Africa. Emilie Vandermeuse, Senior Manager at Price Waterhouse Coopers, presented action plans for companies affected by Brexit and market researcher Matthias Hartwig Ebert gave an overview of the global apple market.
Other speakers included Paula Conlon, Cider Marketing Manager at Heineken Ireland, and Semyon Nebolsinm General Director of cider manufacturer Yablochny Spas in Moscow.
But it was not all just hard work – Forum participants enjoyed a wide range of ciders and fruit wines from across the globe at the Cider Tasting on the eve of the Forum, prior to the Networking Dinner where the relaxed atmosphere enabled visitors to share their knowledge and experience of the sector.
The headlines from this year’s Global Cider Forum are that, whilst the sector continues to grow, there is a need for more collaboration across different continents, bringing the world of cider together. Which is exactly why the AICV will be welcoming all cider and fruit wine makers and their suppliers, on the 30th September & the 1st of October 2020, to another exciting edition of the Global Cider Forum!
Press contact
Milica Jevtic
Secretary General
AICV – European Cider and Fruit Wine Association
Rue de la Loi 221 / 5, 1040 Brussels – Belgium
www.aicv.org
www.global-cider-forum.com
Oct 10, 2019
12th and 13th October 2019
Harvestime 2019 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Big Apple, a community event celebrating apples, orchards and cider and all the ways in which they have shaped the landscape in one small corner of Herefordshire.
Nine venues in and around Much Marcle will be offering visitors the chance to learn, taste and enjoy. Cider and perry and making will be taking place at all scales from cottage style to fully commercial, and the producers will be sharing their knowledge and offering plenty of opportunities to sample and buy.
An amazing range of dessert and cooking apples will be on display for tasting at the Feast of Apples at Hellens and less well-known varieties can be purchased in the Apple Market. Marcher Apple Network will be on hand to help anyone hoping to identify their own apples.
As part of the 30th celebrations, there will be two talks at Hellens on Sunday 13th October. At 12 noon, local fruit grower, Norman Stanier, will be delving into the early records of the Woolhope Naturalists‘ Field Club to discover the stories behind the famous Herefordshire Pomona. At 2pm, Professor Paul Hadley of the University of Reading will be talking about ‘Apples in a Warmer World’, ongoing research looking ahead to the possible impact of climate change on future UK apple production.
Marking growing international interest in orchards, sustainability and tourism, the Big Apple is proud to be part of Ciderlands, a network of cider tourism destinations across Europe whose aim is to preserve and celebrate the heritage and environment surrounding cider culture. The Ciderlands 2019 conference will be taking place in Herefordshire this week and what could be more natural for delegates than a visit to the Big Apple?
A full programme of events can be found at www.bigapple.org.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigappleherefordshire
