Carlsberg UK joins cider industry association

The move comes as the industry makes a bigger-then-ever commitment to the rural economy by announcing plans to build thousands of acres of new orchard over the next two years.

Paul Bartlett, chair of the NACM, said: "To have an industry giant like Carlsberg UK on board is a strong indicator of the increasing confidence in the cider industry as it continues to grow.

"We are pleased that Carlsberg UK is adding to the industry’s significant on-going investment and taking a keen interest in industry issues. The NACM fights hard to make sure the voices of cider makers big and small are heard by those who make the decisions that impact our industry.

"Carlsberg UK is a business of considerable experience and to have this insight and resource can only benefit all in the cider industry."

Investment​

The UK cider industry is now worth £3bn in the UK, with cider makers using a total of 250,000 UK grown apples which are harvested from 17,300 acres of orchards.

Continued investment has resulted in plans to plant around another 2,000 acres of orchard over the next two years.

Bruce Ray, corporate affairs director at Carlsberg UK, said: “We’re relatively new to the cider industry, so joining the NACM means we can learn from other cider makers and demonstrates our commitment to the category.

“Our experience in beer and the wider alcohol market means we can hopefully make a contribution to the NACM and producers of all scales.

“We also consider ourselves as leaders in responsible drinking through close relationships with Government, the wider industry and Drinkaware and hope we can share this expertise with the NACM.”