West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has today praised county apple growers’ efforts to keep drinkers stocked with one of the nation’s favourite tipples. Worcestershire is world-renowned for its cider apples and 10,000 tonnes of apples are grown in her constituency each year before being processed in Ledbury and turned into cider. Harriett toured apple orchards in Wichenford to see the blossoming apple trees which produce Bulmers ciders including Stongbow and Bulmers Original. The company has more than 1,000 acres of orchards in Harriett’s constituency farmed by its own teams and 20 local farmers. Harriett said: “Worcestershire is famous for its apples and pears and cider is one of our greatest products. “Cider is increasingly popular in the UK and our county growers are working hard to meet increasing demand at home and abroad. “At this time of year our apple orchards are in full bloom and I was treated to a fabulous tour of the local orchards. “We should be really proud of all of our local produce and our apples and pears really do put Worcestershire on the global stage.” The MP also praised Bulmers’ staff at Woodhouse Farm who work round all year round to ensure that the trees stay in tip-top shape. She added: “In this day and age, it is great to see a team of workers who have remained in their jobs for decades. Apple production is clearly a satisfying job. “I am told that the company will shortly be recruiting new staff and I hope that local people will apply for any much sought-after openings.” Photo: (l-r) Rod Lees, Head of Orcharding at Bulmers, Harriett Baldwin MP, Gabe Cook, Heineken communications manager.