The Food Programme Cider: Britain's Most Misunderstood Drink?
Oct 21, 2013
Award-winning drinks writer Pete Brown, author of 'World's Best Cider,' and seasoned cider maker Tom Oliver share their insights on the cider renaissance. They discuss the global revival of cider, with Britain leading the charge and new craft producers emerging, particularly in Wales. The duo dives into innovative production techniques like wild yeast fermentation and flavor experimentation. Listeners are treated to tales of unique American ciders and the importance of tradition meeting innovation in this booming beverage industry.
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Cider's Rapid Market Revival
- UK cider consumption doubled in a decade and now grows faster than beer, driven by marketing and investment.
- New planting will expand orchards by a quarter, supporting long-term industry growth.
Brothers Replant Welsh Cider Orchards
- Ben and Alex Culpin left London to revive cider orchards in South Wales and planted traditional varieties like Dabonet and Yarlington Mill.
- Their story illustrates Wales reclaiming a lost cider culture through small-scale producers.
Debate Over What Counts As Cider
- The Campaign for Real Ale defines 'real' cider as pressed-and-fermented apple juice, but many modern producers use other methods and ingredients.
- This divergence creates a contested definition of what counts as cider in the market.
