CAMRA’s Pomona Award is now open for nominations until 1 August 2023.

Named after the goddess of fruit trees, gardens, and orchards, the award is presented by CAMRA to a person, group, organisation, idea or concept (where a recipient can be identified) that has made an outstanding achievement, commitment, or contribution to the promotion of real cider or perry.

The primary consideration is given to activities over the previous 12 months, however, consideration is also given to ongoing work. Nominations are sought annually, but the award will only be given in years when it is felt there is a suitable candidate.

James Finch (Cider Critic on social media) was recognised in 2022 for the award for his promotion of real cider and perry through his YouTube channel, cider-review website and The Cider Critic blog.

Previous winners include Susanna Forbes, author and co-founder of Little Pomona Cider in Herefordshire, Elizabeth Pegler from the Orchard Project, and Simon Gibson of Simon’s Cider, who died earlier this year.

Pomona Award co-ordinator Andrea Briers said: “The award celebrates the UK’s cider champions. The promotion and protection of traditional British cider and perry should rightfully be applauded. This award is designed to be incredibly flexible in terms of the type of work that the committee will consider, and I am excited to see the upcoming nominations from all over the country.”

The opening of submissions coincides with CAMRA’s biannual Cider and Perry Month to celebrate and promote cider and perry over the months of May and October. CAMRA branches are encouraged to organise events and activities to support cider, such as trails, guides and pub visits. Find out more about Cider Month here: https://camra.org.uk/beer-and-cider/cider/cider-and-perry-months/.

CAMRA will also be sharing new resources on its educational Learn & Discover platform during May to help consumers learn more about the drinks.

The award is free to enter and all forms of cider and perry related activity will be considered. To make a nomination, fill out the online nomination form at: http://www.camra.org.uk/pomona-award