UK supermarkets exploit tax loophole to produce cider at ‘pocket-money prices’

Campaigners say super-strength subsidy' puts pressure on the NHS, as some ciders cost same as apple juice

Supermarkets such as Tesco, Aldi and Lidl are exploiting a tax loophole to produce and sell cheap cider that harms health and causes social problems, alcohol campaigners have claimed.

Over recent years, ciders - sometimes containing as much as 7.5% alcohol - have become cheaper or barely risen in price, despite the cost of beer, wine and spirits soaring, according to research by Alcohol Change UK.