Cider Production in the UK - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2024-2029)

Industry revenue is projected to decline at a compound annual rate of 3.7% over the five years through 2024-25, reaching approximately £581 million, but is expected to grow by 4.5% in 2024-25. Despite the rapid entry of new players and the development of craft and premium ciders, the COVID-19 outbreak and the cost-of-living crisis since 2022-23 severely impacted industry performance, especially for standard ciders like Bulmers and Strongbow. Consumers tightened their purse strings, reducing purchases of non-essential goods, including cider. However, there has been improvement with increased footfall in the on-trade segment during the fourth quarter of 2023-24 and the first quarter of 2024-25, boosting sales.

Trends and Insights

• Craft ciders rise and alcohol consumption falls.
• While artisanal ciders have seen increased demand due to consumer preferences for complex flavours and local products, the cider industry is grappling with an overall downward trend in alcohol consumption. Other fruit flavours threaten apple cider.
• Producers are expanding their flavour range by offering various fruit flavours, from tropical-flavoured cider to lemon and lime-flavoured cider. UK cider production is regionally diverse.
• Geographical and historical factors contribute significantly to the uniqueness of the cider produced in different parts of the UK. Cider production demands high initial investments.
• The need for extensive land, specialist staff, and complex machinery often implies substantial start-up capital for aspiring cider makers.

Industry Overview

Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 3.7 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated £581.6m in 2024.

Trends and Insights

On trade performance during the final quarter has lifted the industry The cider industry faced significant challenges due to lockdown restrictions and inflation, which increased input costs for many producers, especially smaller ones unable to leverage large-scale production for lower prices. However, things have improved as the cost of living stabilises, and inflation and GDP levels gradually improve in 2024-25.

Industry outlook (2024-2029)

Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.

Trends and Insights

• The industry is adapting to growing health consciousness
• The non-alcoholic cider market in the UK is poised for growth as health consciousness rises. Companies like Thatcher's Cider are leading the way with offerings like Thatcher Zero, which already reports a 30% year-on-year growth.