Oct 20, 2025
As the cider apple harvest continues, the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) is marking National Apple Day by shining a light on the pubs that keep cider at the heart of British hospitality.
Across the cider-making areas of the West Midlands, South West and beyond, cider makers are pressing the final apples of the season before the harvest finishes in late November. These apples will go on to make the broad range of ciders enjoyed in pubs across the country from well-known national brands to regional and premium styles that showcase the diversity of the category.
“Every glass of cider starts with an apple, but it’s in the pub that the journey truly comes to life. From growers to cider makers and the thousands of people working in hospitality who bring those pints to customers, our industry works together to deliver great-tasting ciders all year round. National Apple Day is a moment to celebrate that partnership and to recognise the pubs and people who keep cider at the heart of British hospitality.” Mark Hopper, Public Affairs Director, National Association of Cider Makers (NACM).
Cider remains a key part of the UK pub offer, generating more than £2 billion in on-trade value and supporting around 50,000 jobs in hospitality. It’s a category built on collaboration from farming and manufacturing to logistics, sales and service delivering value, provenance and enjoyment for pubs and customers alike.
Cider makers large and small report good apple quality this season, giving confidence in the blends that will sustain a diverse and resilient category in the year ahead. From household names to local producers, cider continues to deliver breadth, innovation and relevance for the modern on-trade.
Hopper added, “The connection between orchards, cider makers and pubs is what makes this category so distinctive. Every pint served in a pub tells part of that story, one of people, place and pride.”
Made predominantly in the UK, cider makers work closely with local, regional and national suppliers, supporting British manufacturing and partnering with more than 300 farmers who grow apples across 15,000 acres of orchards. It is a truly home-grown success story that sustains jobs, skills and communities from the orchard to the pub.
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.
Apr 3, 2024
British Cider Week is brought to you by a collaboration of cider-makers, retailers and venues from across the United Kingdom.
Join us to celebrate the depth and diversity of British cider. The week will feature events from a wide range of producers, from new young startups to traditional producers with generations of heritage. There will be activity across the country; from the cider heartlands of the West Country, to the apple gardens of Kent, from country orchards to urban cider works.
For more information and to view planned events visit the British Cider Week website or contact info@britishciderweek.org.uk.
If you are UK cider-maker or cider retailer, you may submit your event here.
Oct 18, 2023
Cider makers across the country are celebrating Apple Day on 21st October. It’s an extra special Apple Day this year as they are able to announce that it’s been a perfect year for cider apples, resulting in a bumper crop of beautifully ripened apples, ready to be pressed into one of the nation’s favourite drinks.
The National Association of Cider Makers (NACM), which represents the industry, has declared 2023 the year of the cider apple, with the conditions for the orchards meaning the cider made this year will be particularly special. Cider apples, so woven into our heritage, with names like Merry Legs, Slack ma-Girdle, Sheep’s Nose and Brown Snout, have thrived.
Although we Brits have not enjoyed the best summer weather-wise, it has proved optimum conditions for cider apples. With the mix of sun and rain and the late burst of September and October sunshine, it has created the right conditions for the apples to ripen to perfection, with just the right amount of acidity and sweetness to press into the ultimate cider.
From bud to bottle, cider is a crucial part of the country’s economy. Cider making not only supports employment, farming, and sustainability, but boosts tourism particularly in the West, Southwest and West Midlands.
Throughout the UK there are three hundred farmers growing over fifteen thousand acres of orchards that are often handed down through generations. This farmland crucially preserves the UK’s biodiversity by attracting a wide variety of wildlife. Once produced, cider flies the flag for British food and drink with over £50 million of exports of cider per year.
Fenella Tyler, Chief Executive at National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) said:
“Apple Day provides a wonderful chance to celebrate apples and orchards, and cider makers across the country will be doing that with aplomb this year, raising a glass to the exceptional crop that 2023 has given us.
Those who love the drink, which is so much a part of the fabric of local communities, will be delighted with the results of this year’s harvest and we thank those who continue to support cider makers.
Not only is it essential to sustaining rural areas, the industry also supports local amenities and charities, funding wildlife ventures and community orchards. A glass of cider supports all of this, plus offers a little slice of sunshine!”
Exhibition Orchard, Thatchers Cider Copyright Neil Phillips Photo + Film Ltd
Jun 9, 2023
Pictured: Sir Bill Wiggin MP, Member of Parliament for North Herefordshire and President of the All-Party Parliamentary Cider Group
The success of British cider in the global market was celebrated this week by over 30 MPs in Westminster. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of World Cider Day, the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) held the event where MPs were given an opportunity to sample the wide range of ciders made by Great British cider makers.
MPs joined thousands of cider enthusiasts around the world to raise a glass in celebration of cider. As the largest global cider market, worth £2.95 billion, it is an important part of the British economy. British cider makers proudly shared a wide range of ciders in celebration of this annual event.
Representing the counties of Herefordshire, Somerset, Devon and beyond, ciders were displayed in various bar locations within the Palace of Westminster for the first week of June, recognising how World Cider Day has grown from humble beginnings, to an event that, ten years later, is celebrated in markets globally, from beaches in Australia to bars in the US, with cider makers in South Africa, Japan and across Europe holding special events to celebrate this important date in their calendar.
MPs were invited to sample traditional ciders that have been at the heart of the industry for decades, alongside newer innovations including a selection of low alcohol ciders that are gaining significance in the British marketplace. A range of bag-in-box ciders were on display, showing the importance of the still cider category to the hospitality sector and the range of locally sourced ciders reflected the importance of cider apple orchards across Great Britain.
Mark Hopper, Public Affairs Director of the National Association of Cider Makers commented: “The traditions of cider making go back centuries in Great Britain, with roots firmly in rural communities, it is of great importance for farming and employment in these areas. It is crucial to bring our MPs together to reflect on the significance of British cider and its place in the global market and the British economy. We are absolutely thrilled that so many of our MPs recognise this and showed up to support the industry.”
Sir Bill Wiggin MP, Member of Parliament for North Herefordshire, added: “Our cider is truly something to be proud of and I am delighted to celebrate the tenth anniversary of World Cider Day with a glass of cider. It’s an event that myself and my colleagues within the Houses of Parliament relish attending, offering a chance to sample the fabulous and wide-ranging ciders made by Great British cider makers.”
