Showerings Cider says their apple harvest ended a month early as the volume of apples in their orchard dropped by two-thirds compared to a normal year.
The size of the crop was affected by extremely wet weather conditions experienced over the past 12 months. This follows three consecutive strong harvests.
Typically, harvest extends into late November, but this year it ended on 30th October. Even though this year’s harvest produced only 200 tons of Dabinett apples, the apples picked were of excellent quality.
Showerings is well-positioned to manage the harvest shortfall because, as a triple-vintage cider producer, it can draw on a reserve of aged cider from previous harvests, ensuring a consistent supply, even in a lean year.
With freshly-pressed apple juice now fermenting in readiness for bottling next year, preparations are under way for the pruning season, during which up to a third of the orchard’s trees will be cut back.
Since the apple trees bear fruit on a biennial cycle, Showerings is optimistic that next year will bring a bumper harvest to balance out this year’s ‘off’ season.
“It was sad to see our depleted orchard this autumn,” said company director Nick Showering. “However, thanks to the tireless work of our dedicated orchard team, the apples harvested are in excellent condition and will produce a good quality cider.
“Fortunately, we are a triple-vintage cider, so will use our 2024 vintage sparingly, enriching it with vintages ageing back to 2017.”
