Cornish Orchards is on track to deliver 45,000hl of cider — more than 7.9 million pints — in its 2026 harvest, against a climate backdrop the cider maker has described as one of the ‘toughest on record’.
In partnership with its apple supply chain, the cider maker, owned by Asahi UK, is implementing data-driven orchard monitoring tools, including automated weather tracking, to press approximately 2,000 tonnes of fruit over a 75-day harvest season.
In total, the 600-hour operation relies on a workforce of 40 people, picking more than 30 distinct apple varieties.
Facing severe summer drought conditions in the South West which triggered early fruit drop among many traditional varieties, the brand has drawn on its curated blended supply network. This combines 20 acres of its own traditional estate orchards with selected partners, enabling the team to source rare Cornish varieties and mitigate environmental problems. The scheme involves more than 20 local small-scale growers and strategic partnerships across key growing regions in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and Herefordshire.
“This year’s crop presents unique challenges, with the extended drought conditions lasting through to September,” said Christopher Newton, head cider maker at Cornish Orchards. “While the extreme weather tested our orchards, the inherent quality and intense flavour profile of the fruit harvested have been exceptional.
“Through expert blending of more than 30 distinct apple varieties and the dedication of our cider-making team, we have ensured complete flavour consistency across the entire 2026 vintage.”
