Na zdoróv’je! Russians get a taste for British cider

IT HAS been a traditional British tipple for country bumpkins, and a firm favourite of West Country band the Wurzels.

Now young Russians have started a revolution by abandoning their national drink of vodka – in favour of cider.

Latest figures from Russia’s Federal State Statistics Service show cider consumption up 35 per cent last year against a 39 per cent fall for vodka.

The drink of choice since the days of Ivan the Terrible 500 years ago, vodka is losing out to the growing popularity of more flavourful drinks in trendy bars of Moscow and St Petersburg.

Gabe Cook, spokesman for the National Association of Cider Makers, said: ‘Russians are exploring other country’s indigenous drinks, which has led them to great British cider.’

At Cornish Orchards in Liskeard, Russia is the biggest export market. Exports started in November 2015 but now account for 45 per cent of all its overseas sales.

A spokeswoman said: ‘They seem to really like our light refreshing flavours.’

A Russian Embassy spokesman said Russian cider sales grew seven-fold between 2011 to 2015.

He said: ‘There’s a trend for “craft” drinks like craft beer, and most cider is sold as craft cider.’