There are around 60 different cider makers in this county. It is the very heartland of England’s ancient cider industry. But these are challenging times. Supermarkets have squeezed prices down so hard that even some of the big players are feeling the pinch. When the C&C group announced the impending closure of Shepton Mallet’s famous Cider Mill there was shock and outrage. All cider production will now transfer to the company’s Irish base. I have nothing against Irish cider, but I will always fight for the retention of Somerset’s cider production. These are issues that I am sure will be debated in detail this evening at Westminster at the reception for my All Party Cider Group. As ever thanks are due to the National Association of Cider Makers for arranging the event.
MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset
