Hottest UK Summer Impacts Cider and Pear Harvests

The Met Office reported that the United Kingdom experienced its hottest summer on record. This heat and drought have impacted apple and pear harvests across the country. Paul Harrison, who produces Temple Cider near Beaminster, noted that apples are being picked nearly a month earlier and in smaller quantities than anticipated. Furthermore, the apples that are harvested contain higher sugar levels, which some suppliers report may limit sales to pubs.

The extreme weather conditions are causing significant shifts in agricultural output and product quality within the cider and perry industries. This affects the timing and volume of harvests for producers. The resulting changes in product characteristics, such as higher sugar levels, could impact market acceptance and sales channels.