Chancellor George Osborne announced in yesterday’s Budget that the 10% above inflation increase on cider, which was announced at the last Budget in March, is to be reduced at the end of this month.

Roger Jackson, Westons Commercial Director said: “We are obviously delighted that the new chancellor has delivered on his pledge to reduce the cider tax, this shows a great commitment to support a buoyant rural industry. We will of course be passing the duty reduction back in full to our customers, which will be great news for the trade and for drinkers”

To the news that there is to be a review into taxation and pricing in the autumn Jackson added “In the last few years cider has been a great success story.  The investment and innovation in the industry as a whole has doubled the value of the cider market and doubled the contribution we have made to Government.  We now look forward to working with the new Government on ensuring the growth we have experienced over the last few years is sustainable and in promoting sensible drinking”