Craft Cider production and cider fruit growing in NSW is closely linked to the key apple producing regions of Bilpin, Orange and Batlow.

Outside of the key apple districts, there is also some cider production activity associated with the traditional wine regions of the Hunter and Riverina.

In addition to the regional businesses engaged in cider, there are a number of brands that have been developed in the Sydney and Canberra areas using Australian grown fruit and juice.

NSW DPI Temperate Fruits Development Officer, Kevin Dodds said the growth in cider consumption, particularly craft cider, has created opportunities for fruit growers to diversify their businesses to include value adding and to build on farm gate and direct marketing of their produce.

“The craft cider production industry is comprised of a mix of fruit growers who have diversified into cider and cider producers who do not grow fruit, but source their fruit or juice from Australian growers.

“Apples are a major crop grown in NSW and it’s great to see many growers have the opportunity to diversify and value-add to their production, especially following the difficult years growers have experienced.

“It’s pleasing to see that the recovery of fire affected apple orchards at Batlow and Bilpin is progressing very well following the December 2019 and January 2020 bush fires.

“Orchard clean-up funding, Supply Chain Support grants and Sector Development Grants are enabling orchardists to ‘build back better’.

“Financial support to assist recovery after the fires seems to have brought forward innovative orchard investments in new growing systems and automated harvest assist machines.”

The DPI provides growers with a range of publications to assist with variety selection, nutrition, intensive orchard systems, integrated pest management. These publications include the respected and valuable reference, the 60^th edition of the Orchard plant protection guide for deciduous fruits.