Cider producers facing ‘worst year ever’ amid dry weather

Growers say the drought has left orchards with smaller, malformed apples that are “not fit for purpose.”

This year’s harvest is expected to be the poorest since records began in 1984.

While the cider industry is expected to avoid shortages, with stocks saved from previous years, some smaller producers say the dry summer has forced them to abandon some of their orchards altogether.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Lorraine O’Connor, who runs Cuckoo Valley Cider in Cornwall, said: “We weren’t worried to start with.

“But as the months went on and on with no rain at all, the apples started dropping really early.

“The leaves on our trees turned brown two months ahead of time, and the apples are a lot smaller.

“We have just been hoping and hoping for rain.”

Ms O’Connor had been expecting to harvest 16 tons of apples this season.

Instead, she now expects just 10 tons.

Steve Layton, who runs a family cider business in Herefordshire, said: “It has been relentless.

“All the water sources have dried up.”

Mr Layton said his commercial orchards were down by 40%, with some not expected to produce “any apples at all”.

According to the Environment Agency, 71.3% of England is currently in drought, with the worst-affected areas in the south and Midlands.

The north has also seen extended dry spells, and a sixth heatwave is forecast.

Farmers call on government to take action

The National Farmers’ Union and other industry groups are calling on the Government to offer interest-free loans tied to losses from the drought.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said it was taking action to support the industry.

A DEFRA spokesman said: “As the Prime Minister has said, food and farming is part of national resilience and we’re acting now to support the sector.

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“Our recent drought package responds directly to the pressures it is facing with £65m of support.

“We are listening and understand how difficult times are, and we will keep working closely with farmers to protect and promote British-grown products.”

While cider drinkers are unlikely to notice an immediate impact, producers warn that continued extreme weather could threaten future supplies.

Are you worried about the future supply of cider in the UK? Let us know in the comments.