Speaking at last week’s Parliamentary Cider Group Reception, National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) chairman Henry Chevallier Guild pleaded with government and Chancellor George Osborne to consider the unique circumstances of the cider industry – namely the length of time it takes to establish apple orchards and the contribution cider has to rural economies.
Chevallier Guild, who runs family-owned Aspall Cyder with brother Barry, said an increase in duty in the budget statement is unlikely to increase revenues, as demand will be suppressed.
He said: “There has been much to celebrate in the progress of cider in the last decade, but in austere times, with lower consumer spending, the situation is fragile.”
Chevallier Guild added: “Given our scale and the fact that we can do little to affect retail prices of our products, it’s important to recognise that even a modest change in duty will could have disproportionate and serious consequences for our industry.”
The Reception also gave the NACM the opportunity to launch www.cidersfuture.com, a website set up to promote the green credentials of cider producers.
