Representatives from the UK’s leading cideries will be joining pommeliers, publicans, and orchardists for CraftCon 2023 next month.
This is the only UK interactive conference dedicated to the art and skill of craft cidermaking. Tastings, panel discussions, the famous bottle share, as well as more than a dozen sessions will take place at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, on 13th and 14th April.
The event is organised by the Three Counties Cider and Perry Association. Chair, Dave Sanders, said: “Our plan is to inspire, educate, and entertain with the latest ideas and industry experts.”
It is targeted at producers new and not so new, those beginning their journey, and those wanting to top up their skill set.
Despite the challenges facing the UK drinks industry, craft cider has grown consistently year on year. In August this year, huge changes to the UK duty system could mean a revolution in cidermaking, with optimism that the proposed Small Makers’ Duty Relief scheme could boost the cider industry in the same way that Small Brewers Relief did when it was introduced in 2008.
“Crucial to the development of this nascent but growing segment of this cider category is the opportunity to learn and to exchange knowledge and expertise,” said Gabe Cook, AKA The Ciderologist. “Also critical is growing a community of people who are all contributing to and celebrating a sustainable industry, a sustainable drink. One with deep roots and a wonderful community feel.”
Topics to be discussed include everything from the world of perry and climate change, to sustainability, the importance of diversity, duty reform, and expanding your market.
Barny Butterfield, founder of Sandford Orchards, one of the UK’s most successful craft cider producers, will detail the rise of his company in the opening keynote speech, From Chickens To Cider. Meanwhile, Gabe Cook will look to the next decade in his keynote on the second day.
“In a time of unprecedented challenge and change for the UK drinks industry, what is the state of play for cider now and what are the opportunities and challenges for its future?” he will ask. “I’ll be navigating these big questions for cider makers large and small, using data, insight, and passion.”
Technical essentials include the prevention of faults and unlocking the power of yeast, while cutting edge techniques and ideas will be explored by some of the nation’s leading proponents. Albert Johnson, fourth generation cidermaker at Ross-on-Wye Cider and Perry, will talk on keg-conditioned cider, while James Forbes and Laurence Cocking, of Little Pomona Orchard and Cidery, will lead a tasting exploring the terroir of Herefordshire via the lens of Dabinett.
There are lots of other talks and activities planned. Find out more at craftcon.co.uk.
