ONE of the biggest names in Somerset cider making has issued a strong message to South West MPs at a reception in Westminster.

Within hours of being sworn in as the new chairman of the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) last week, Martin Thatcher, of Thatcher’s Cider, based near Winscombe, told MPs that the cider industry would continue to contribute to the national economy – provided Government policy recognises the long-term planning and commitment that is required.

In his address, Martin, whose family has been at the heart of cidermaking in Somerset for four generations, said: “Freezing the duty on cider and scrapping the Duty Escalator in the spring was great news, though the benefit will be short-lived if Government fails to recognise the investment decisions we make tie us to commitments that last decades.

“When we talk to growers and farmers about planting new orchards we are asking them to accept no income for a couple of years and to wait seven years for a full crop, weather permitting.

“Cider has a bright future and, with support from Government, we can deliver that potential and do more to support the rural communities we are part of.”

It is estimated that the cider industry is worth over £3bn a year in sales and supports more than 10,000 jobs directly and indirectly in the British economy.