KEETCH CALLS FOR RETENTION OF CIDER BRANDY

9.57.30pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 12th Oct 2007

Paul Keetch, MP for Hereford, and founder of the All Party Parliamentary Cider Group, has today tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to stop the term 'cider brandy' being dropped in favour of 'cider spirit' proposed in new draft EU regulations.

Mr Keetch believes that such a change would have a detrimental effect upon the sale of the product and perceived traditional manufacturing. The Chairman of the Hereford Cider Museum Trust had called for help stating that the proposed change could have a damaging effect 'on the financial health of the Cider Museum'.

"I have tabled an EDM to bring about greater awareness of the proposals and ensure that we act in Westminster as are our counterparts in Brussels," said Mr Keetch.

"Changing the name of this product is likely to damage its image and saleability. It has been traditionally manufactured and known as 'cider brandy' since at least 1678 and I can see no good reason why it should change now.

"I hope that the EDM and my question to the Minister will highlight the need to stop this impacting on the industry."