The Three Counties Cider and Perry Association (TCCPA) has hosted another successful Craftcon, welcoming nearly 200 visitors earlier this month.
Gabe Cook, aka The Ciderologist, leads a session at Craftcon
Cider makers, orchardists, writers, wassailers, and anyone who is anyone with any connection to the world of apples flocked to the event at Somerset County Cricket Ground, in Taunton.
“Craft cider is continuing to grow in popularity, as proven by the huge number of makers, including many new entrants as well as old hands, gathering from around the world at Craftcon,” said TCCPA chair Lydia Crimp, of Artistraw Cider.
“The drinks our delegates produce are steeped in history and culture, made by human hands from fruit gathered from some of the world’s most precious habitats. Cider is a truly unique offering, rich in stories and deserving of recognition.
“Being a cider maker can be a pretty solitary pursuit sometimes, but events like this are wonderful at reminding us that we’re part of the most inspiring global community. The passion and energy within the cider community is truly unquenchable!”
With more than 20 talks and workshops to attend, on subjects as far ranging as the science of fermentation health to the history of wassailing, delegates enjoyed networking opportunities and the chance to learn from industry experts.
The highlights included a keynote speech from Eleanor Leger, of Eden Ciders in Vermont, as well as a panel led by Gabe Cook, aka The Ciderologist, looking at future cider retail trends. There was input from Waitrose’s head cider and beer buyer, Jourdan Gabbini, drinks educator Alison Taffs, and online bottleshop owner Nicky Kong of the Cat in the Glass.
A packed auditorium at Craftcon
Steven Trussler, of Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (USA), led a technical tasting session exploring faults in cider, while Geoff Newman, the national specialist on traditional orchards responsible for advising government on this priority habitat, gave a detailed presentation on ways of preserving these precious places.
During the breaks delegates were invited to visit the Craft Con trade show situated within the main conference hall.
Other notable moments included the awarding of the Susanna Forbes award for outstanding contribution to cider culture, which the TCCPA launched in 2025. This pays tribute to the legacy of Susanna Forbes, of Little Pomona and Imbibe, who passed away in 2024.
This year’s winner, James Crowden, author of the book Cider Country, was announced at the opening ceremony of the conference.
“I was bowled over when I heard that I had won the 2026 Susanna Forbes,” said James. “Cider culture is so important and being able to research and articulate that culture and history for others to appreciate is what it is all about.”
