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Extreme weather hits English cider harvest
This year’s cider crop is expected to be “significantly impacted” by extreme weather conditions in the past year, according to one producer.
Showerings Cider, which has officially started its harvest this week, made the warning after the previous winter was the eighth wettest on record in the UK.
It has therefore bought “significant challenges” to Somerset apple growers, with the producer expecting a potential shortage in apples across the county as a result.
The producer expects the harvest to approximately 200 tons of Dabinett apples this year, which would be a two-thirds reduction compared to a typical year of 600 tons.
Localised adverse weather, coupled with the strain of three consecutive strong harvests, has weakened apple trees thereby diminishing their output, the producer said.
Showerings reported that its orchard near its mill in Shepton Mallet had waterlogged soil during the winter months, which hindered air circulation to the roots and resulted in some root decay and susceptibility to disease.
But despite these challenges, expert pruning and care restored trees to a healthy state, the producer said. In addition, despite the lower yield, Showerings said it was still “well-positioned to manage the shortfall”. As a triple-vintage producer, it can draw on a reserve of aged cider from previous harvests, ensuring a consistent supply even in a lean year.
The producer makes fine cider using Dabinett apples grown in a single orchard, paying tribute to Somerset’s terroir and the county’s cider-making traditions and expertise.
Nick Showering, Director of Showerings, said: “We are expecting an apple shortage from our orchard this year, but a smaller harvest doesn’t mean a compromise in quality. In fact, the apples are in superb condition.
“Although it’s still too early to determine the precise flavour profile of this year’s crop, our centuries of cider-making expertise tell us that these ‘off’ years often yield slightly larger apples, which can bring unique qualities to our cider. We’re optimistic about the distinctive characteristics this harvest will contribute.”
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