Local MP Rebecca Pow welcomes election of new Chair of the National Association of Cider Makers, David Sheppy at All-Party Parliamentary Cider reception in Parliament

Parliamentary Cider Champion, Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow attended a special reception in Parliament earlier this month (5th September) to celebrate British cider makers and to welcome election of Somerset’s own David Sheppy (Managing Director of Sheppy’s Cider based in Taunton) as the new Chair of the National Association of Cider Makers.

During the event, Mr Sheppy called on MPs to support the cider industry, which supports more than 11,000 jobs, 16,000 acres of orchards and is worth £2.95 billion, with the South West making a major contribution towards this. Cider makers in the SW and Hereford together attract over a 1 million tourists each year contributing important revenue to the rural economies and communities in these areas. 

As a sixth generation cider maker, from a cider making family spanning more than 200 years, Mr Sheppy acknowledged how far the industry has come in that time, taking great leaps in technology, whilst also keeping with the traditions important to the heritage of cider making. He concluded that with the right support the cider industry can be optimistic for our future and for the great ciders that will be made by generations to come.

Rebecca Pow MP said:

“The UK has a history of cidermaking dating back thousands of years, a tradition that has produced a variety of cidermaking traditions throughout the country. We have many superb craft drinks businesses here in Taunton Deane and across Somerset more widely, and as a Parliamentary cider champion I am determined to ensure that our cider industry is heard at the highest levels of Government. I will be engaging with Ministers ahead of November’s Autumn Statement to ensure our valued local cider makers have a bright future ahead. 

I am also delighted that David Sheppy, from the well-known Sheppy cider business, in this constituency, has taken on the role as Chair of the National Association of Cider Makers, he will be a strong voice for the industry. He comes from a highly respected family of cider makers, and I am delighted to see that his daughter has also now joined the family team.''