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.”
