Cider industry

That this House recognises the value of small-scale cider makers and apple growers to employment, tourism, traditional craft practices, biodiversity and the broader rural economy; celebrates apple day; notes that the cider industry, including fruit cider, makes up 7 per cent of the alcohol market; is deeply concerned that the cider industry has undergone the longest and most damaging period of decline on record; is further concerned about the impact losing orchards has on biodiversity; recognises the unprecedented increase in costs for traditional, small-scale cider makers in the last decade; is deeply concerned about the impact of excise rates increasing from August on cider makers, especially for traditional ciders where ABV is naturally higher than alcopop ciders; notes with concern that excise rate increases could drive traditional cider makers out of business; further notes that the Government’s new Small Producer Relief for alcohol duty is totally inadequate for traditional cider makers like Burrow Hill Cider Farm and Dowdings Apple Juice and Cider; and calls on the Government to protect traditional small-scale cider making and ensure the Alcohol Duty Review does not unduly harm the industry.