There is a very real concern that the current 7000 litre duty limit is to be revoked by the EU. Basically if you are a small cider or perry producer you can make up to 6999 litres of cider or perry and not pay duty on any of them. This keeps prices down and encourages small producers to start up and sell their products. (If you make 7000 litres or more though you must then pay duty on every litre).
The EU believe that the duty exemption is an unfair subsidy for producers in this country and want to revoke it.
If this happens then the current and future range of ciders and perries from the likes of Cider by Rosie will either not be financially viable to sell at current prices or will become a large-scale commercial product which sometimes is just not the same.
If you would like to show your support for the smaller producers, and fight the loss of the 7000 litre limit, please sign the petition here.
If you would like to learn more about the UK craft cider and perry scene, please have a look at the UK Cider website. You could also join the email list for up to date news and discussion.
