Albert Johnson, from Ross-on-Wye Cider and Perry Company, has won CAMRA’s 2026 Pomona Award for championing the promotion of real cider and perry in the UK.
Albert (pictured), whose father won the award in 2009, grows around 120 different apple varieties and 30 pear varieties. He has introduced the largest range of single-variety ciders and perries in the UK, if not the world.
Between new orchard plantings and maintaining established orchards over 35 acres, Albert has made an outstanding contribution to preserving a vast number of diverse apple and pear varieties. His Oak Meadow Orchard project futureproofs the DNA of rare, heritage, commercial use varieties, within the UK cider scene, on his family farm.
A highly respected figure in the cider and perry industry, Albert is taking the traditional drink to a higher level of quality, authenticity, and provenance, while inspiring future generations of orchardists, cidermakers, and perrymakers.
He shares his knowledge widely and has been instrumental in launching a number of initiatives to promote and provide education about these products.
“I’m humbled and delighted to receive the Pomona Award,” said Albert. “It’s an honour to have been nominated by peers and friends across the cider industry.
“In 2009, my father Mike Johnson was also recognised by the Pomona Award and it brings me great pride to know that, 17 years later, the same values of hospitality, inclusivity, and openness are what characterise my decisions and the work that everyone at Ross-on-Wye Cider and Perry do on a daily basis.
“The joy of working in cider is the co-operation and collaboration between cidermakers, retailers and advocates, of whom I am lucky to call many my great friends.”
Andrea Briers, co-ordinator of the Pomona Award for CAMRA, said: “It is an honour to reward Albert as this year’s outstanding Pomona Award winner. His advocacy in the industry is not only inspirational, but commendable, encouraging current and future orchardists, cidermakers, and perrymakers to help safeguard our cider and perry heritage and helping to promote these products to a widespread audience.
“Albert’s impressive work in collecting and future proofing apple and pear varieties and the orchards that grow them, and sharing his knowledge, is truly inspirational in protecting an entire industry of great drinks made by independent producers for consumers.”
