According to the European Commission’s initial proposal, beverages containing other fruits and berries were to be given a new designation—“cider-based beverage.” Members of the European Parliament from Northern European countries, where the production of ciders with various fruit and berry flavors is widespread, opposed the initiative. In their view, the new rules effectively provide additional protection to traditional producers in France and Spain.
The Danish brewing company Carlsberg (which produces Somersby cider) also joined in the criticism. They believe that the new standards could confuse consumers, create additional barriers for producers, and contradict the European Union’s policy of enhancing the competitiveness of the single market.
“European producers and the single market will be unnecessarily divided along cultural and geographical lines. We believe that the European Commission should halt the development of these standards, which clearly contradict the EU’s simplification and competitiveness agenda,” said Christian Henningsen, head of public relations at Carlsberg.
Finnish Member of the European Parliament Pekka Toveri also criticized the initiative, stating that European officials underestimate consumers’ ability to distinguish traditional regional ciders from mass-produced products.
Following objections from three countries, the European Commission drafted a compromise version of the document. Asthe Financial Times notes, the new version provides for three product categories: “classic cider”—a beverage made from 100% apple juice; “cider”—a product containing at least 35% apple juice; and “cider-based beverage” for products with a lower percentage of apple juice.
The European Commission confirmed to the publication that it continues to seek a solution that will establish uniform standards while also gaining the support of all EU member states.
According to the research firm Grand View Research, Europe accounted for about 37% of the global cider market in 2024. Researchers predict further growth in the industry, particularly in North America and the Asia-Pacific region.
Follow our updates
