Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, has used Apple Day to call for greater support for apple growers and traditional cider makers.

She highlighted the challenges the industry is facing due to rising costs, taxes, and outdated labelling regulations.

The UK cider industry is valued at £3.06 billion, with over 500 producers responsible for 31% of the global market. In the South West, cider making plays a particularly important role, sustaining 11,500 jobs and supporting 300 farmers. The region contributes 35% of the UK's annual apple crop.

However, the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) has raised concerns that cider definitions need updating. Producers have been particularly affected by a tax on alcohol by volume, introduced by the last Conservative government, which has hit traditional cider makers hard. With many ciders containing around 6.5% alcohol, the tax has disproportionately impacted them, leading to rising costs and what some are calling a crisis for the industry.

Ms Dyke said, "Somerset's apple growers and cider makers play such an important part in our communities, not only do traditional apple orchards support wildlife and biodiversity, but they're incredibly important for the economy of the South West and have supported generations of our farmers."

She also criticised the current labelling rules, which allow cheaper, mass-produced products with little real apple content to be labelled the same as heritage ciders. "The rules around labelling and definitions must be reformed," she said.

Ms Dyke further added, "The previous Conservative government's punitive cider duty added an additional burden at the worst possible time. We must pay attention to those calling for critical changes to save our cider industry, which is the pride of Somerset."

The MP's comments come at a crucial time for the cider industry, which has been facing increasing pressure from rising production costs and market challenges.

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