**British Cider Industry Sounds Alarm as Rising Costs Threaten Future of Traditional Orchards**
**LONDON – October 26, 2023** – The future of Britain’s iconic cider orchards hangs precariously in the balance, as producers warn that escalating operational costs could force them to abandon British-grown apples in favour of cheaper imported alternatives. The industry is appealing for urgent government support, cautioning that without intervention, generations of agricultural heritage and a vital rural economy could be irrevocably damaged.
Cider makers across the UK, particularly those in traditional heartlands like the West Country, are facing a “perfect storm” of economic pressures. Soaring energy prices for processing and storage, significant increases in the cost of labour for harvesting, packaging materials like glass bottles and cardboard, and transport fuel have squeezed profit margins to breaking point.
“We’re seeing input costs rise across the board by 20%, 30%, even 50% in some areas over the last year alone,” explained John Smith, owner of Orchard Bloom Cider Co. in Somerset. “While we’re fiercely proud of using apples grown in our own orchards and from local suppliers, the financial reality is becoming unsustainable. If we can’t make it profitable, we’ll be forced to look at imported apple concentrate, which would be a devastating blow to our ethos and to local growers.”
The potential shift away from British apples poses a significant threat not only to the distinct quality and provenance of British cider but also to the livelihoods of apple growers. Many traditional orchards are home to unique heritage varieties crucial for cider production and play a vital role in local biodiversity.
“Our family has been growing cider apples for four generations,” said Sarah Jones, a grower from Herefordshire. “If the cider makers can no longer afford to buy our fruit, these orchards, many of them centuries old, will be grubbed up. Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever, and with them, a piece of our rural history and ecology.”
Industry bodies are calling on the government to recognise the unique challenges faced by the cider sector. Proposals for support include:
* **Temporary energy subsidies:** To help mitigate the impact of historically high electricity and gas prices.
* **Review of excise duty:** Cider currently faces a specific duty structure, and producers argue a re-evaluation could provide much-needed relief.
* **Targeted agricultural grants:** To support the maintenance and planting of new cider orchards, promoting sustainable practices and biodiversity.
* **Promotion of ‘Buy British’ campaigns:** Encouraging consumers to choose domestically produced cider, boosting demand and supporting local supply chains.
The concerns mirror broader issues facing the UK’s food and drink manufacturing sector, grappling with inflation and supply chain disruptions. However, cider makers argue their reliance on a specific agricultural crop with long lead times for maturity (apple trees take years to bear fruit) makes them particularly vulnerable.
Without a lifeline, producers warn that the distinct flavour of British cider, intrinsically linked to its apple varieties and terroir, could be diluted, and the scenic orchards that define much of the country’s rural landscape could become a thing of the past. The industry awaits a response, hoping to secure a future for a drink deeply embedded in British culture and economy.
