UK: National Association of Cider Makers defends low tax

Henry Chevallier Guild argues for stability in government cider policy

The head of the UK's National Association of Ciders Makers has rejected claims that duty tax on cider is an "anomaly" and said that the industry needs “stability” from government to prosper.

Speaking to MPs and peers at a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Cider Group last night (9 March), Henry Chevallier Guild said cider makers pay less duty than brewers for "very valid reasons".

Last year, the previous UK government planned to hike tax on cider to “correct an anomaly”. However, it ditched the plan after a wave of public protest and the current government has made no attempt to close the gap between cider and beer.

Chevallier Guild said: “It is specifically because our industry is different in terms of investment and planning to other industries, like brewing, that the relative duty regimes are not aligned.”

He said that cider is only 9% of UK alcoholic drinks sales by volume and urged “stability” in government policy to allow cider makers to plan ahead.