Harvest of ‘monster crop’ at leading fine cider orchard

• Showerings expecting yield three times bigger than last year’s harvest

• Summer heatwaves increased sugar content in the crop, while recent rain allowed apples to swell, suggesting an “exceptional vintage”

• Climate change affecting growing conditions across southern England, presenting both challenges and opportunities for cider producers

Monday 22^nd September 2025: Britain is heading for a potentially record-breaking apple crop, with the long and hot summer producing super sweet fruit that promise an exceptional cider vintage.

One of the country’s leading producers, Showerings is expecting a “monster crop” of 2,500 – 3,000 tonnes of apples, compared to the 1,000 tonnes harvested last year.

The long and hot summer will also produce an “exceptional vintage” according to orchard master Bob Wadley, who believes the heatwaves and sunshine boosted sugar content, while the recent rain allowed the apples to swell.

England’s apples are mostly grown in Somerset, Herefordshire and Kent. Growers are having to contend with climate change, which is causing more volatile and unpredictable weather conditions. After two difficult years, growers agree that this year will see a dramatic recovery.

Nick Showering, Director of Showerings, said: “A monster crop will be a gift after two challenging harvests, and the quality of the fruit so far is incredibly exciting”.

The long sunshine hours, high sugar levels, and the late summer rain means we’re looking at apples with outstanding quality and flavour – a perfect foundation for an exceptional vintage of our fine cider.”

British consumers are increasingly opting for premium and fine ciders, while cheaper traditional brands stagnate, according to the latest figures.

The overall cider market in the UK is broadly flat, in fact showing a small decline, but emerging premium and fine categories are experiencing strong growth. Showerings is outperforming the sector, reporting a year-on-year increase in volume growth of 51 per cent.

A selection of high-resolution photos are available via Dropbox here

Notes to Editors

Showerings Cider

The Showering family has been producing cider for over 180 years in the heart of Somerset. Nick Showering took the reins of the family brand three years ago and is the next generation of the British cider making dynasty. It’s in their DNA and these years of experience and cider making expertise enable them to craft what is an artisanal product of the highest quality using the best apples and lots of time. It has been created to enjoy as an aperitif or as the perfect complement to food, as an alternative to wine.

Awards for Showerings range from winning Gold at the 1950 Brewers Exhibition to more recent accolades including a Great Taste Award 2023, two Golds at ICC 2023 and two Golds at IWSC in 2023 and 2024.

showeringscider.co.uk / instagram.com/showeringscider/

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