“It is great news that the chancellor has abandoned the duty escalator and frozen duty on cider this year in recognition of the important role that cider makers play in their local, rural communities, as well as the impact on growers and cider makers from the winter storms and rain.
“Responsible drinkers will be able to enjoy British cider as the cycle of continual above inflation increases is now broken.
“This common sense decision will be celebrated by nearly 500 producers across the country as it protects the investment they have made over many years to grow the industry and support the rural community, as well as supporting thousands of jobs.
“As the investment cycle for our industry is measured in decades, we have a critical need for stability on duty and policy and we hope this decision signals a period of sustained support from government for a great British success story.”
On pubs and beer, Paul Bartlett said: “We are pleased that drinkers generally will benefit with the reduction in duty on beer – combined with the freeze on cider duty – this represents modest support for pubs which have struggled in recent years. This is to be commended as pubs play an important role in communities and support significant employment.
“Many cider makers have and will to continue to invest significantly in their businesses, hence the announcement on the Annual Investment Allowance is welcomed, as is the support UK manufacturers seeking to export.
“UK cider makers account for over half of all cider produced in the world and British businesses are very active seeking to grow export markets, so this might present a terrific opportunity for producers and the UK economy.”
Source: National Association of Cider Makers
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