More than 70,000 join cider duty protest

By James Wilmore

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Cider West country National association of cider makers

Angry cider makers, cider drinkers and even the National Trust have led a wave of protests against the 13.1 per cent Budget duty hike. More than...

Angry cider makers, cider drinkers and even the National Trust have led a wave of protests against the 13.1 per cent Budget duty hike.

More than 70,000 people have also joined a Facebook campaign to get The Wurzels' "I Am a Cider Drinker" to number one in the charts.

The protests have been sparked after Alistair Darling announced a 10 per cent above inflation rise in cider duty in last month's Budget.

The hike, as predicted by The Publican, has left the cider industry fuming. Artisan cider makers are particularly aggrieved, as they feel the government is punishing them for their success, as cider has grown in popularity.

Larger producers are expected to be able to deal with the increase easier and Magners has already said it will absorb the hike.

Andrew Quinlan of Orchard Pig, which produces around 250,000 litres of cider a year, said it was small producers that would "find it painful".

"We have all got a fight on," he said. "And the other area of concern is the plan to redefine high-strength cider. We hope the Chancellor will understand the difference between artisan cider and White Lightning."

The National Trust also backed the stance of artisan producers, saying they played an "essential role" in managing traditional orchards.

Henry Chevallier Guild, chairman of the National Association of Cider Makers, added: "It is not just businesses crying foul because sales decline.

"It has the potential to undermine what businesses both large and small have done and the great contribution they are making to the rural economy and the communities they are part of."

Meanwhile, The Wurzels have said they will donate all proceeds from the sale of their song to Sport Relief.

Related topics Cider

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