Cornish Orchards Harvest on Track to Deliver 7.9 Million Pints of Premium Vintage Cider, Overcoming Severe Summer Drought
Author: Communications Team
Date: 09 11 2026 16:40
- 2,000 tonnes and 30+ varieties of apples to be harvested across 20 acres of estate orchards and local supply networks
- In partnership with the brand’s apple supply chain, Cornish Orchards is employing the latest innovations in harvest technology for precision orchard management and micro-weather monitoring
Cornish Orchards, the award-winning British cider maker, is on track to deliver 45,000HL of cider – more than 7.9 million pints – in its 2026 harvest against a climate backdrop the cider maker has described as one of the ‘toughest on record’.
In partnership with its apple supply chain, the cider maker is implementing data-driven orchard monitoring tools, including automated weather tracking, to press approximately 2,000 tonnes of fruit over a 75-day harvest season. In total, the 600-hour operation relies on a workforce of 40 people across the network, picking more than 30 distinct apple varieties.
Facing severe summer drought conditions in the South West that triggered early fruit drop among many traditional varieties, the brand has drawn on its curated blended supply network. This combines 20 acres of its own traditional estate orchards with selected partners, enabling the team to source rare Cornish varieties and mitigate environmental impacts. The scheme involves more than 20 local small-scale growers, and strategic partnerships across key growing regions in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and Herefordshire.
The carefully managed harvest enables Cornish Orchards to cement its reputation as a craft cider leader, securing availability of high-margin draught and packaged supply for pubs, bars, and retailers after one of the most challenging growing seasons in recent memory.
Operators can continue to capitalise on increasing consumer demand for 100% freshly pressed, super-premium British cider, with Cornish Orchards now ranking among the top 10 GB draught ciders.
Christopher Newton, Head Cider Maker at Cornish Orchards, said: “This year’s crop presents unique challenges with the extended drought conditions lasting through to September. While the extreme weather tested our orchards, the inherent quality and intense flavour profile of the fruit harvested have been exceptional. Through expert blending of more than 30 distinct apple varieties and the dedication of our cider-making team, we have ensured complete flavour consistency across the entire 2026 vintage. On-trade stockists and retailers can be confident that every pint delivers the signature fresh, crisp taste and craft excellence that consumers expect from Cornish Orchards.”
“It’s been a pivotal year for Cornish Orchards, with Cherry & Blackberry receiving a bronze award in this year’s International Cider Awards (Fruit Flavoured Cider – Berries), as well as scooping two Silver medals for Golden and Cherry & Blackberry varieties in this year’s Free From Awards.”
The efficiency of the harvest simultaneously stayed true to the brand’s core commitments to sustainability and biodiversity. Cornish Orchards and partners used codling moth population counting and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to safeguard yield while reducing the amount of chemical spraying and protecting critical wild pollinator populations across the estate, which remains fully powered by renewable energy.