Cider body to expand

1 Mar 2013

Cider Australia is expanding as a result of unprecedented growth in the industry across the country.

The body representing cider producers believes there is a real need to manage this growth and the interests of cider makers and orchardists across Australia.

As a result, it will appoint an inaugural executive officer to ensure the industry is adequately represented.

Cider Australia President James Kendell said the position has been created, with an announcement expected soon.

The new role would assist the volunteer body, which has also undergone an expansion with the election of two new Vice Presidents, Sam Reid, from Willie Smith’s Organic Cidery in Tasmania, along with Sean Prendergast, from Bilpin Cider in NSW.

“Cider now makes up almost 4% of the Australian alcohol market, employing a significant number of people around Australia directly and indirectly. We feel there is a clear need for a body to represent the needs of those in the industry and beyond,’’ Mr Kendell said.

Cider Australia has a number of issues to tackle this year.

Mr Kendell said the key issue was to develop a clear framework for classifying products within the industry, focussing on the raw materials used in production.

The continuation of the Wine Equalisation Tax system, designed to support Australian agricultural producers, was also of paramount importance, he said.

“We believe there needs to be a clearly defined category structure to ensure those producers who support Australian agriculture and Australian orchards are in-turn supported by a fair tax system,’’ he said.

Cider Australia Board:

President – James Kendell
Vice-president – Sean Prendergast
Vice-president – Sam Reid
Treasurer – Neal Cameron
Secretary – David Pickering
Marketing & Events – Richard Coombes
Executive Officer – tbc

For all media enquiries please contact: James Kendell 02 6365 2286 or 0434 086 081