Small-scale cider makers are urging the UK government to cut alcohol duty to help them survive a poor apple crop.
The Welsh Perry and Cider Society say on average orchards have yielded nearly two-thirds less than last summer.
The failure is blamed on a mild winter which failed to kill off parasites affecting bees, followed by a cold, wet summer which destroyed apple blossom.
Alex Coplin of Ty Gwyn Cider in Monmouth said small “craft” producers needed “a helping hand”.
Welsh cider makers producing less than 7,000 litres a year make up around a quarter of the UK craft cider industry.
They say this year’s crop failure has triggered a sharp rise in the wholesale price of apples, which is forcing many small-scale producers to the brink of bankruptcy.
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