Essex, UK. October 20th 2025 – As the cider apple harvest continues, the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) is marking National Apple Day on October 21st by shining a light on the pubs that keep cider at the heart of British hospitality.
Across the cider-making areas of the West Midlands, South West and beyond, cider makers are pressing the final apples of the season before the harvest finishes in late November. These apples will go on to make the broad range of ciders enjoyed in pubs across the country from well-known national brands to regional and premium styles that showcase the diversity of the category.
“Every glass of cider starts with an apple, but it’s in the pub that the journey truly comes to life. From growers to cider makers and the thousands of people working in hospitality who bring those pints to customers, our industry works together to deliver great-tasting ciders all year round. National Apple Day is a moment to celebrate that partnership and to recognise the pubs and people who keep cider at the heart of British hospitality.” Mark Hopper, Public Affairs Director, National Association of Cider Makers (NACM).
Cider remains a key part of the UK pub offer, generating more than £2 billion in on-trade value and supporting around 50,000 jobs in hospitality. It’s a category built on collaboration from farming and manufacturing to logistics, sales and service delivering value, provenance and enjoyment for pubs and customers alike.
Cider makers large and small report good apple quality this season, giving confidence in the blends that will sustain a diverse and resilient category in the year ahead. From household names to local producers, cider continues to deliver breadth, innovation and relevance for the modern on-trade.
Hopper added, “The connection between orchards, cider makers and pubs is what makes this category so distinctive. Every pint served in a pub tells part of that story, one of people, place and pride.”
Made predominantly in the UK, cider makers work closely with local, regional and national suppliers, supporting British manufacturing and partnering with more than 300 farmers who grow apples across 15,000 acres of orchards. It is a truly home-grown success story that sustains jobs, skills and communities from the orchard to the pub.
ENDS