Cider Australia has called on the Federal Government to refocus its Wine Equalisation Tax. In Australia, the WET tax is designed to help small local producers compete against the big players in the market. This is a tax of 29% of the wholesale value of wine. Currently Aussie wine, cider and perry producers are eligible for a rebate of up to AU$500,000 on the tax. For the big players this is “nice to have”. Not having it isn’t going to kill them. For the smaller players with a handful of staff this is the only way they can compete.
As it stands all Cider makers (excluding fruit ciders) are eligible. The Australian Government is trying to reduce the cost of the rebate to the Federal Budget. So Cider Australia is proposing to exclude cider makers who use imported juice or concentrate. The theory is if you want the rebate you must buy your juice from Australian growers. This will ensure the tax dollars from the rebate say in the Aussie economy. As the biggest players take the most rebate while using imported concentrate this adjustment would be a big saving. Craft Cider producers do not claim anywhere near the maximum $500,000 as they just don’t sell the volume.
Full Cider Australia press release after the break
The rapid growth of apple cider globally has encouraged the industry to introduce its own international event to celebrate the delicious drink.
World Cider Day will be held for the first time tomorrow, Friday June 3rd, with events and specials planned for venues across Australia. Read More
Last night saw the awards ceremony for the Australia’s best ciders at the 2015 Cider Australia Awards. Last year, somewhat controversially, the top gong went to the British cider maker Thatchers with their Somerset Gold. This year the top award stayed local. Willie Smith’s 18 Varieties limited edition taking out the Best in Show award. Results After the break.
Is your favourite ‘local’ cider helping to employ Australians and value-add to our horticulture industry? Chances are, you probably aren’t aware where the apples and pears used to make your cider are from – it’s a major issue Cider Australia is trying to rectify. Read More
Every product you eat from the supermarket has a label. This label tells you what ingredients go into your food. New labelling laws are about to come into effect. Country of origin labels mean you’ll be able to tell if what you are eating is Aussie grown and processed or if it’s imported. This is great for knowing about what you eat,but what about what you drink? Alcohol has been left of the bill and Cider drinkers have the most to loose.
Press Release
Cider Australia will contribute to the alcohol taxation debate to ensure local cider makers are not unfairly crushed by `fake’ alcopop-style ciders.
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Cider Australia is holding its AGM in the apple growing and now cider making community of Batlow this May, to coincide with the 2015 Cider Industry Conference. Read More