Seaton MP champions Devon's cider at Westminster

Seaton MP Richard Foord was among politicians to celebrate the success of British cider in the global market at a recent event 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 the counties of 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 on the event, Mr Foord said: "Here in the West Country we have some of the best cider makers in the world - including Norcotts CiderAston Manor Cider, Lyme Bay Winery and others. It was great to see a range of UK cider on display in Parliament last week to mark World Cider Day and showcase our great export."

Mark Hopper, Public Affairs Director of the National Association of Cider Makers said: "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 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."