The figure comes from the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM), which also predicted the UK market will grow by 17% with consumers buying an additional 119m pints a year by 2018.
Britain produces half of all the cider in the world and export demand is growing. Argentina is expected to lead the demand for British cider exports followed by Australia and South Africa.
Authentic
Paul Bartlett, chair of the NACM said: “The cider market both at home and abroad has grown dramatically over the last 10 years, and over the next decade we will see another massive increase in the global consumption of cider.
“This is being fuelled by a number of factors. In some markets - such as the USA – consumers are re-discovering cider. There is a growing appreciation from US consumers of cider and recognition that there is an authentic American cider heritage.
“British producers – such as Aspall, Thatchers and Westons - are driving this cider renaissance forward by investing in this market and expanding the export of their product.
Innovation
“In other countries, an increase in the popularity of cider can be put down to the growth of fledging cider makers, and the investment of UK producers to inform and educate consumers.
“British cider makers have led the way by demonstrating the positive impact which innovation and investment can have on the market, and cider makers in other countries are now following suit and grasping at that opportunity.”