United Kingdom (UK) Cider Market Overview, 2028

The United Kingdom is well-known for its rich cider legacy and is one of the world's largest cider-producing and drinking countries. Cider is an important part of British culture, with a centuries-long history. The UK cider market has a wide variety of ciders to suit a wide range of tastes and preferences. Cider varieties such as West Country and Scrumpy are popular, as are current versions such as fruit ciders and artisan ciders. The market is home to both large-scale commercial cider makers and a thriving craft cider movement, which promotes cider innovation and quality. Cider is not only used as a standalone beverage but also as a versatile element in drinks and culinary preparations. The increased demand for craft ciders has moved the market ahead. Consumers are increasingly looking for distinctive and high-quality cider experiences, which has encouraged the rise of craft cider manufacturers. Fruit ciders have also played an important part in driving market expansion, appealing to a broader variety of consumers with their sweeter and fruitier qualities. Cider tourism and experience services, such as orchard visits and cider festivals, have also drawn both cider fans and tourists. The market has also benefited from the emphasis on premium and artisanal ciders, with customers ready to spend more for higher-quality and traditionally crafted goods. Changing consumer perceptions and education activities have helped elevate cider as a sophisticated and flexible beverage, broadening its appeal beyond typical pub settings.

According to the research report “United Kingdom Cider Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, The United Kingdom cider market is projected to reach a market size of more than USD 1.83 billion by 2028. Somerset, in the United Kingdom's West Country region, is famous for its traditional "scrumpy" cider. Scrumpy is a robust, farmhouse-style cider brewed from a variety of apple varietals that is popular in local bars. Over 100 distinct cider apple varieties exist in the United Kingdom, including the legendary Kingston Black and Dabinett. These cider apple types add to the rich flavours and tannins found in British ciders. Magners Irish Cider debuted a new kind of cider to the UK market in 2005 served over ice in a pint glass. This unique and refreshing approach to cider consumption prompted a revival in cider appeal and fueled the creation of fruit-flavoured ciders. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has been instrumental in promoting traditional and craft ciders in the United Kingdom. CAMRA recognises and supports 100% apple juice cider, boosting its availability at bars and festivals. Cider is a popular drink at music festivals around the UK, with Glastonbury and Reading offering a wide range of ciders with live music performances. Craft cider has become popular in the United Kingdom, with small-batch manufacturers emphasising quality, unusual flavours, and local ingredients. This movement has broadened customer options and raised consumer awareness of artisanal ciders. Several UK regions, like Herefordshire and Kent, have become major cider tourist destinations, with orchard tours, tastings, and cider-related experiences available.

In the U.K. traditional and handmade ciders are popular. Traditional ciders, such as West Country and Scrumpy kinds, are popular because they are authentic and heritage-oriented. Craft ciders, which are frequently manufactured in small batches with a focus on quality and creativity, have grown in popularity among consumers looking for distinctive flavour profiles and artisanal products. While traditional cider flavours continue to be popular, fruit-flavoured ciders have grown in popularity. Apple and blackcurrant flavours, mixed berries, and citrus blends are popular because of their pleasant and fruity flavour profiles. Ciders in both bottles and cans are popular in the UK market. Bottles are frequently associated with traditional and luxury ciders, whereas cans provide portability and convenience. Packaging design is also important, with eye-catching labels and packaging. Both on-trade and off-trade distribution channels are important in the United Kingdom. On-trade sales occur in pubs, taverns, and restaurants where customers can consume cider on-site. Off-trade outlets include supermarkets, convenience stores, and internet platforms where customers can buy cider to consume at home. The off-trade channel has grown significantly, owing to the ease and larger range it provides to consumers.

In U.K. Strongbow, Bulmers, Thatchers, Aspall, and Westons are a few of the prominent market participants in the cider industry. Through their wide selection of cider offers and flavours, these businesses have introduced innovation to the market. They have also produced packaging improvements like resealable closures and cans with widgets for a smoother pour. With their emphasis on small-batch manufacturing and experimenting with distinctive flavours and apple types, craft cider manufacturers have also had an impact. Competition from other alcoholic beverages like beer, a lack of consumer awareness of cider, and seasonal demand are obstacles in the German cider market. Beer, wine, and spirits are well-established products, making it difficult for cider to expand its market share. Consumer education regarding cider and its offerings can also be difficult. Consumption of cider is generally seasonal, peaking in the summer and around holidays, which makes it difficult to maintain steady demand all year round. The demand for low-alcohol choices is being driven by health and wellness trends, increasing consumer interest in craft and luxury beverages, flavour innovation, and extending distribution channels to reach a larger customer base.

The United Kingdom has witnessed a thriving craft cider movement in recent years. Craft cider producers focus on traditional and artisanal methods of cider-making, using locally sourced apples and embracing unique flavour profiles. The movement promotes small-scale production, sustainability, and preserving cider-making traditions. Craft cider producers often participate in local food and drink festivals, farmers' markets, and specialized cider events to showcase their handcrafted products. This movement has gained popularity among consumers seeking authentic and high-quality ciders, supporting local businesses, and experiencing the diversity of flavours that craft cider offers. It has also contributed to the revival of traditional cider apple orchards and the preservation of heritage cider apple varieties in the United Kingdom. The thriving festival and event culture in the UK cider sector, which celebrates the long history and variety of cider, is well-known. The annual "Great British Beer Festival" in London, where cider is a substantial component alongside beer, is one of the most well-known events. CAMRA's "Cider and Perry Trials" feature a variety of traditional ciders and perries from various regions. Another noteworthy occasion including cider competitions, tastings, and cider-making demonstrations is the "Bath and West Show" in Somerset. Cider manufacturers can promote their goods, inform consumers, and celebrate the cider culture on these festivals' and events' stages.



Considered in this report
• Geography: United Kingdom
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report
• United Kingdom cider market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Hard Cider
• Dry Cider
• Soft Cider
• Sweet Cider
• Others

By Packaging Type
• Glass Bottles
• Plastic Bottles
• Aluminium Cans

By Flavour
• Apple Base
• Flavoured Ciders

By Source
• Conventional
• Organic

By Distribution Channel
• On-trade
• Off-trade

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us. we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the cider industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.