The success of British cider in the global market was celebrated this week by over 30 MPs in Westminster. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of World Cider Day, the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) held the event where MPs were given an opportunity to sample the wide range of ciders made by Great British cider makers.
MPs joined thousands of cider enthusiasts around the world to raise a glass in celebration of cider. As the largest global cider market, worth £2.95 billion, it is an important part of the British economy. British cider makers proudly shared a wide range of ciders in celebration of this annual event.
Representing Cornwall, Herefordshire, Somerset, Devon and beyond, ciders were displayed in various bar locations within the Palace of Westminster for the first week of June, recognising how World Cider Day has grown from humble beginnings, to an event that, ten years later, is celebrated in markets globally, from beaches in Australia to bars in the US, with cider makers in South Africa, Japan and across Europe holding special events to celebrate this important date in their calendar.
MPs were invited to sample traditional ciders that have been at the heart of the industry for decades, alongside newer innovations including a selection of low alcohol ciders that are gaining significance in the British marketplace. A range of bag-in-box ciders were on display, showing the importance of the still cider category to the hospitality sector and the range of locally sourced ciders reflected the importance of cider apple orchards across Great Britain.
Commenting, St Austell and Newquay’s Member of Parliament Steve Double said:
“It was good to visit the World Cider Day reception in Parliament to discuss the benefits of the cider industry to our economy and to promote Cornish cider on the national stage.”
“Healey’s do an amazing job promoting the Rattler brand, as well as Cornish Gold, which is distributed by companies nationally, including in an excellent partnership with St Austell Brewery. Another great example of the Cornwall brand leading the way!”
Mark Hopper, Public Affairs Director of the National Association of Cider Makers commented:
“The traditions of cider making go back centuries in Great Britain, with roots firmly in rural communities, it is of great importance for farming and employment in these areas. It is crucial to bring our MPs together to reflect on the significance of British cider and its place in the global market and the British economy. We are absolutely thrilled that so many of our MPs recognise this and showed up to support the industry.”
Sir Bill Wiggin MP, Member of Parliament for North Herefordshire, added:
“Our cider is truly something to be proud of and I am delighted to celebrate the tenth anniversary of World Cider Day with a glass of cider. It’s an event that myself and my colleagues within the Houses of Parliament relish attending, offering a chance to sample the fabulous and wide-ranging ciders made by Great British cider makers.”