CRAFT cider and perry producers around the country stand to gain as two local cidermakers are elected to the two top roles at the Three Counties Cider & Perry Association.

“It is a privilege to chair the largest membership association of small cidermakers in the UK," said fourth-generation cidermaker Albert Johnson, of Ross-on-Wye Cider & Perry Company.

"My father, Mike, was a founding member of the TCCPA, so to continue the legacy is very special."

Lydia Crimp, co-founder of Clifford's Artistraw Cider and co-chair of the pan-industry group, Cider Women, joins Mr Johnson as his deputy.

"I am excited to be given the opportunity to add to the TCCPA's already rich history," she said.

"It's an honour to be working with such dedicated and talented people."

Representing over 100 cider producers located far beyond the association's original boundaries of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, the vibrancy and energy of the revitalised sector is symbolised by members' desire not just to reach out to consumers but also to learn and move forward.

First up will be CraftCon 2024, at the beginning of April.

"This will be the fifth anniversary of this landmark event, organised and hosted by the association," said Mr Johnson.

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"I hope to build on what we have achieved in the last five years to continue to achieve our aims of supporting and promoting the interests of cider and perry producers in our Three Counties region, but also all across the UK.

"With five weeks to go, I'd urge all fellow cider professionals to join us for what will be an incredible couple of days with many of the world's leading lights sharing their wisdom."

Mr Crimp said this year's CraftCon programme will cover topics within orcharding, cidermaking, and business and marketing, with more speakers and subjects to be covered than ever before.

The event will culminate with the Friday evening bottle share.

CraftCon 2024 will take place at the Royal Agricultural University, Circencester on Friday, April 5, and Saturday, April 6.

There will be over 20 speakers and panellists presenting interactive workshops and seminars aimed at aspiring and existing cidermakers in the UK and beyond, including keynote speakers Adam Wells, co-founder of Cider-Review.com and author of forthcoming book, Perry: A Drinkers' Guide, and James Crowden, renowned and award-winning author and poet.

"My predecessor, Dave Sanders, brought the membership back together after the disruption of COVID to ensure the successful re-establishment of CraftCon," said Mr Johnson.

"The quality this year will be a fitting legacy to all his hard work."

CraftCon is being generously supported by lead sponsor, The National Association of Cidermakers, as well as The London Cider House and Pershore Press, with other sponsors to be confirmed.