Cider Australia has today launched a “world first” trust mark for craft ciders in the country to educate consumers about the quality and origin of ingredients and help them identify ciders made with 100% Australian fruit.
The organisation said that current labelling laws make it difficult to identify from where fruit in a cider has been sourced. It added that “less than 15%” of Australia’s cider market comprises craft ciders made with 100% Australian-grown fruit.
The trust mark seeks to inform consumers that they are supporting Australian fruit growers and boosting Australian jobs in the craft cider making industry.
Cider Australia estimates that approximately 30% of drinkers will choose to drink a premium cider made with 100% Australian-grown fruit if they have the choice and can identify these ciders.
The trust mark will only be available to Cider Australia members and consumers will start to see it on eligible craft ciders in retail outlets starting from November this year.
“I’m incredibly proud that we are the first country to develop a cider trust mark,” said Sam Reid, Cider Australia president and craft cider producer.
“Authenticity is very important to our industry. The trust mark will help consumers to recognise what makes Australian craft ciders unique – a premium beverage made with 100% Australian-grown apples or pears. This initiative also aims to drive significant growth for the Australian craft cider community, raising its profile both domestically and internationally.”
Supporting local fruit growers and craft cider producers, the launch of the trust mark is part of a larger campaign to build a sustainable cider industry in Australia and establish an export market for local brands.
Cider Australia has been working with Wine Australia to develop the trust mark and brand proposition after receiving funding from the Australian government’s Export and Regional Wine Support Package to market and grow Australian craft cider internationally.
“This is the single biggest investment the Australian cider industry has received from any government,” added Reid. “The trust mark forms part of a broader strategy to elevate the craft cider category, lift competition and grow exports to allow greater investment in innovation.”
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