While the Australian industry body for Cider makers, Cider Australia, argues its case to be included in new country of origin labeling laws, the industry is ripe to begin exporting more, according to Cider Australia President Sam Reid. “Exporting is probably still in its embryonic stages, but I know that some Australian cider brands such as Hills now export to key markets such as Hong Kong and Singapore, and others to New Zealand, China and the UK as well,” he told Fresh Plaza. There is a growing preference for craft brews and cider, with the industry predicted to reach $5.1bn by 2018-19 in a 2013 IBIS World report.
Traditional cider is a value added product where Australia can compete on quality, Mr Reid said, and country of origin laws within Australia would not impact that opportunity, so long as it was clear that the product was made from Australian ingredients. He also said he saw no reason exports would not be a significant part of the Australian cider industry in the near future.
“China grows a huge amount of apples, and picks 36 million tonnes per year,” he added. “In Australia we pick more like 300,000 tonne per year, so it’s easy to see what we’re up against, and why cheaper apple juice concentrate can end up in Australian cider.”
The cider industry campaign to be included in country of origin labeling
laws has continued this week, and Mr Reid said he was happy with the attention the issue has received, and the support from Apples and Pears Australia Limited. “APAL has been very supportive of our campaign, and we’re now taking things to the next level, writing letters and organizing meetings. It just doesn’t make sense that apple juice is included, but cider is excluded and we intend to make that clear.”
laws has continued this week, and Mr Reid said he was happy with the attention the issue has received, and the support from Apples and Pears Australia Limited. “APAL has been very supportive of our campaign, and we’re now taking things to the next level, writing letters and organizing meetings. It just doesn’t make sense that apple juice is included, but cider is excluded and we intend to make that clear.” The new labels will highlight all the imported concentrate that goes into apple juice, but Australian consumers need to be aware that the same thing happens in cider, Mr Reid said.
For more information
Visit the Cider Australia website: www.cideraustralia.com.au
Sam Reid, Manager
Willie Smith's Organic Cider
Phone:+61362664345
Website: www.williesmiths.com.au