Westons tentatively welcomes cider tax rise 'scrappage'
Cider brand Westons has tentatively welcomed the news that the Government has chosen to drop plans to increase the tax on cider as was announced in the budget last month.
The Government has listened to fierce opposition to the plan to increase the price of cider by 10% having struggled to pass the law ahead of the announcement of the election and the imminent dissolving of Parliament.
Despite this, Labour have said it will reintroduce the tax, should it be re-elected, while the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats stand opposed to the tax increase.
Ian Lewis, head of marketing for Westons, said: ‘While this is potentially great news for the cider industry, we shall have to wait beyond the election to understand the full ramifications of this decision. By necessity, the cider industry has to plan for the long term and what is required is a period of certainty, so that it can work with its growers, suppliers and customers to secure its long term success. Until we get definite clarification of the duty plans, then we have to continue with business as usual.’
Last month, cider brands such as Westons, Strongbow and Brothers all highlighted the negative impact that the price increase would have on the cider brewing industry, as the drink is more expensive to produce than beer, but would have cost the same price.