UK Cider Makers Take The Lead Again With Sustainability Scheme

Article from Cider UK.

Cider industry leaders have announced another first for the industry today as the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) becomes the first drinks' trade body to work with Business in the Community (BITC) to address sustainability.

As leading cider producers gathered in Ledbury, Herefordshire, it was revealed that members would undertake the comprehensive BITC analysis of their business operations The Responsible Business Checker, reaffirming their commitment to be the 'greenest' industry in the UK.

Henry Chevallier, Chair of the NACM said: "We take our responsibilities seriously and are proud of what we have achieved.  The chance to work with BITC and again offer a lead, gives us the framework to do even more."

As key players in the UK's rural economy, members of the National Association of Cider Makers are determined to further enhance the areas and environment in which they operate.  The Responsible Business Check-Up supports that aim and provides the means to develop a strategic approach to improving social and environmental performance.

Already one of the UK's most sustainable industries, UK cider has already reported progress.  It recorded a 12% reduction in CO2 from 2000 to 2008 and has the stated aim to be both 'carbon neutral' and produce 'zero waste' in a decade from now.

Nearly half of all of the apples grown in the UK are used by the industry and in the last decade more than 8,000 acres of new orchards (or over four million trees) have been planted following investment by some of the larger cider producers.  Recognising that cider apple orchards are already a beneficial use of agricultural land, the NACM is determined to develop strategies to enhance the positive impact of the industry.

Henry Chevallier commented: "Enhancing the benefits from what we do and minimising the impact is a priority, for both individual cider producers and for the industry as a whole.  We believe that putting ourselves through this rigorous exercise will better inform how we make this happen."

Stephen Howard, CEO of Business in the Community:  "I'm delighted to welcome National Association of Cider Makers into membership of Business in the Community. The sustained commitment of companies to greater leadership in the field of responsible business has never been more important. That's why we're here, to help companies identify where they can have most impact - positively - for people and the planet. I look forward to working with NACM on their responsible business journey."