The price of cider could soar after next month’s Budget as fears mount the government will single out the category for a major tax hike.

All alcohol trade groups are bracing themselves for another wave of duty increases, on top of the two per cent duty escalator.

But cider makers are particularly fearful of the treatment they will receive – despite arguing their case at a meeting with Treasury officials this week.

These fears are based on last December’s Pre-Budget Report (PBR), when the government announced it would review duty on cider after pressure to realign rates with beer tax.

The results of the review are due to be announced at the Budget in a month’s time.

Henry Chevallier Guild, chairman of the National Association of Cider Makers and partner at premium cider producer Aspall, who attended last week’s meeting, said the group had to be realistic.

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