This year has seen a significant increase in cider production due to an abundance of fruit resulting from the UK’s hottest summer on record. Barny Butterfield, owner of Sandford Orchards in Exeter, noted the extraordinary quality and quantity of this season’s apples, stating that the heat led to trees bearing so much fruit that some branches broke under the weight. He announced plans to expand production capacity by adding extra storage tanks, indicating that the cider may rank among the best vintages in recent years.
The National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) has observed that the warm weather during spring and summer has produced apples rich in flavors and natural sweetness. Despite the smaller size of some fruit due to reduced rainfall, the high sugar and tannin levels indicate a promising quality for the cider produced this year, according to NACM chair David Sheppy. He noted the increasing reliability of high-quality fruit, attributing the record-breaking summer temperatures primarily to human-induced climate change.
While some trees have shown signs of stress from the dry conditions, the overall outlook for cider and perry production is optimistic. In contrast to last year’s hardships, perry producers report a strong recovery this season, with increasing sugar levels in pears, which are expected to enhance the quality.
Cider sales in the UK have seen minor growth, reaching £3.1 billion in 2024, although total consumption declined slightly. Sheppy expressed optimism about the sector’s future, citing innovation and a renewed interest among consumers. The cider harvest is ongoing, with various apple varieties expected to be ripe by late October to early November. Sheppy emphasized that while harvest quality may vary, skilled blending can maintain product quality throughout different seasons.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/sep/14/bumper-apple-harvest-cider-makers-uk