British cider makers celebrate this year’s Apple Day
21st October 2022
The event highlights the importance of orcharding and cider making, which is a key part of the UK economy.
Cider making not only supports employment, farming, and sustainability, but also boosts tourism – particularly in the West, South West and West Midlands.
British cider producers are part of an industry that is steeped in heritage with traditional, artisan expertise passed down through the generations. Apples that are suitable only for cider making grow in abundance throughout British orchards and it is the skill of producers that turns those apples into a delicious drink.
Fenella Tyler, chief executive at the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) said: “Apple Day gives cider makers the opportunity to promote their trade and highlight the importance of cider making to their local community. The industry provides much needed support to the broader rural economy, providing over 11,500 rural jobs across the UK and attracting tourists from around the country and the rest of the world.
“The culture of cider making is interwoven within the fabric of local communities and is essential to sustaining rural areas. The industry supports local amenities and charities, funding wildlife ventures and community orchards. It is essential that the British heritage of cider making is supported.”
Across the UK, 300 farmers grow over 16,000 acres of orchards that have often been handed down through generations. As well as producing cider, this farmland preserves the UK’s biodiversity by attracting wildlife – specifically bees – that are needed for pollination.
Once produced, cider flies the flag for British food and drink with over £100million of exports of cider per year.
