As craft cider grows, networking gathers pace

“Craft cider is continuing to grow in popularity,” according to the Three Counties Cider and Perry Association (TCCPA) which noted a rise in attendees to its conference this month.

Speaking at CraftCon in Somerset, TCCPA chair Lydia Crimp said: “Cider is a truly unique offering, rich in stories and deserving of recognition.”

The craft cider opportunity

db recently highlighted how there is a continued opportunity for the craft cider category and noted how the trend for craft now makes up 12% of total UK draught cider sales, but significantly represents 14% of value share as craft products command a much higher retail price than their mainstream counterparts.

Cider makers, orchardists, writers, wassailers from around the world gathered in Taunton to attend the conference this month in what marked the sixth instalment of the increasingly popular event which saw the largest number of attendees yet and welcomed nearly 200 visitors from the UK, US, Canada, Germany, France, Sweden and Hungary.

The event included more than 20 talks and workshops on subjects as far ranging as the science of fermentation health right through to the history of wassailing and attendees were given networking opportunities as well as the chance to learn from industry experts.

Networking

Highlights included a keynote speech from Eleanor Leger of Eden Ciders in Vermont as well as a panel led by ciderologist Gabe Cook looking at future cider retail trends along with input from Waitrose’s head cider and beer buyer, Jourdan Gabbini, drinks educator, Alison Taffs and online bottle shop owner Nicky Kong of the Cat in the Glass.

‘Steeped in history and culture’

Describing cider’s validity and importance within the sector, Crimp explained: “Craft cider is continuing to grow in popularity, as proven by the huge number of makers, including many new entrants as well as old hands, gathering from around the world at CraftCon. The drinks our delegates produce are steeped in history and culture, made by human hands from fruit gathered from some of the world’s most precious habitats.”

During the conference, Steven Trussler of Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (USA) led a technical tasting session exploring faults in cider whilst Geoff Newman, the national specialist on traditional orchards responsible for advising government on this priority habitat, gave an incredibly detailed presentation on ways of preserving these precious places.

Other notable moments included the awarding of the ‘Susanna Forbes award for outstanding contribution to cider culture ‘ which the TCCPA launched in 2025 to pay tribute to the legacy of Forbes who made her mark on the sector both as a drinks writer as well as co-founding Little Pomona and boosting cider’s presence considerably before her passing in 2024. This year’s winner, author of the book Cider Country, James Crowden was announced at the conference.

Collecting his accolade, Crowden said: “Cider culture is so important and being able to research and articulate that culture and history for others to appreciate is what it is all about.”

‘Inspiring global community’

Crimp admitted that networking has become central to the category’s growth and has also assisted the cider community by giving it ways to boost its popularity with “passion and energy”.

She added: “Being a cider maker can be a pretty solitary pursuit sometimes but events like this are wonderful at reminding us that we’re part of the most inspiring global community. The passion and energy within the cider community is truly unquenchable.”

Planning for CraftCon 2027 is already underway.

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