Shepton Mallet's Showerings Cider is predicting a record-breaking and sweeter crop this year, with up to 3,000 tonnes of apples expected — around three times the 1,000 tonnes collected last year.

Director Nick Showering said the prolonged sunshine is set to deliver "a vintage like I've never seen before", with higher sugar levels driving quality and strength.

The National Association of Cider Makers (NACM) said the 2025 harvest — typically a 12-week season — is still in its early stages and final volumes will depend on autumn weather. NACM reported excellent fruit quality this year, with high sugars and strong flavour, though apples are slightly smaller than average following reduced summer rainfall.

Showering added that the expected sweetness should translate into a notably strong vintage. Producers elsewhere echoed the positive outlook, citing a favourable spring for blossom and pollination.

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