Cider producers join relaunch the Irish Cider Association, ABFI

Cider consumption rose slightly in 2018, prompting some of Ireland's producers to relaunch the Irish Cider Association, part of the ABFI, in order to work together to boost sales and promote their brands.

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Total cider consumption rose by 0.43% in 2018, according to the Irish Cider Association Market Report, the first to be published since 2012. The report shows that 64 million litres of cider were consumed in Ireland last year, making a €61 million contribution to the exchequer in excise payments in 2018.

Irish appetite for homegrown cider continues to be the staple of purchases, with roughly 75% of cider consumed made in the Republic of Ireland. This marked a 2% increase in the market share for local purchases year-on-year. It’s estimated that producers use on average 50,000 tonnes of apples each year which benefits Irish apple growers.

Chairman of the Irish Cider Association, Seamus O’Hara (MD of Carlow Craft Brewing) said the Irish Cider Association is being re-established to help its 15 member companies to adapt to new realities. “Consumers are demanding quality products,” he said, “and thus as an industry we’ve had to change our products to cater for that.

“Ireland’s cider industry makes a valuable contribution to our economy and cultural life, making it one of the most exciting industries to be in at the moment” O’Hara said. “As a result, cider drinkers in Ireland have unprecedented choice of cider products in our restaurants, pubs and retail outlets.”

O’Hara also warned of significant pressures the industry may well face later this year when Britain leaves the EU. “Today, about 85% of cider exports go to the UK,” he said. “The likelihood of a no-deal Brexit, with potential tariffs on both inputs and finished product, has increased uncertainty for producers and could impact investment within the sector.  It is vital that the government does all it can to mitigate these external negatives for the industry.”

At the moment, Irish cider consumers pay the third highest rate of excise on cider in the European Union, taking up nearly 30% of every pint. “We believe the government should reverse its recession era emergency excise measures with an excise rate reduction in Budget 2020 to support the sector,” O’Hara added.

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