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We are delighted to join a host of cider makers across the South West in launching a “cyber celebration” to mark South West Cider Week.

The packed programme of events, which stretches from Friday June 12 to Sunday June 21, includes online tastings, virtual tours, a cyber meet and greet with producers and even a drive-through cider shop followed by an orchard walk.

The events are being organised by cider makers and retailers themselves, and co-ordinated through the website, www.swciderweek.org.uk and on social media using the hashtag #swciderweek.

The dozens of events that make up the South West Cider Week are being coordinated by the South West of England Cidermakers’ Association (SWECA).

Martin Berkeley of Pilton Cider is organising the SWECA involvement. He said: “Sharing a glass of cider in good company is a fabulous thing and vital to many of the social connections we make. It is also so important commercially for hundreds of businesses across our region.

“Whilst it might be a while before we can gather in person, we were determined to see how we could still celebrate cider.
“The response, thanks to the imagination and resilience of cider makers has been fantastic, and as a result, we will – virtually – invite the world to share our passion for the drink so synonymous with the South West.”

As well as showcasing the skills of cider makers and revealing matches with other regional produce like cheese, it is hoped that the series of events will also provide a much-needed boost to producers who have lost sales through the closure of pubs and bars and the absence of tourism this summer.

The scale of the loss to producers is significant as a third of cider sales, representing two-thirds of the value, are through on-trade outlets.
For 2019, that amounted to £2bn in sales (Westons Cider Report).

To amplify this effort, many businesses are offering discounts for online sales and some specialist retailers are putting together mixed cases that reflect the great breath of quality drinks produced across the region.

Support for the South West Cider Week was immediately forthcoming from the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM), the body representing the UK cider industry – the biggest cider market in the world.

Mark Hopper, the NACM’s public affairs director, said: “We know that cider makers like nothing more than being able to share their craft with people – whether those consumers are new to cider or familiar with the many styles available.

“The continued absence of the chance to meet people in person is understood, though it has an impact.
“That producers right across the South West have come together to create ten days packed with different ways to enjoy cider is fantastic. We will do all we can to encourage people to join at least one of the events.”