Media Release

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Cider makers call on Government to fix farcical rules

Industry body Cider Australia is proposing that the Federal Government introduce a minimum juice content for cider and streamline regulatory requirements to unlock sustained growth and diversification of the Australian cider industry.

President of Cider Australia Sam Reid said the regulatory framework as it stands is holding back growth opportunities and making it difficult for consumers and producers to differentiate higher quality products in the marketplace.

“Cider producers must navigate a ridiculous situation whereby the Food Standards define cider as one thing and the Australian Tax Office defines cider using another definition and neither of these definitions include a minimum juice content, which every other country globally sees fit to include in their definitions”, Mr Reid said.

“The regulatory framework is certainly not ticking any of the boxes on why we have food standards in the first place, such as to ensure consumers can make informed choices and to promote consistency with international standards”, noted Mr Reid.

Cider Australia believes that without reform to regulatory requirements the cider sector will be faced with suboptimal levels of investment in orchards and cider processing infrastructure, employment, skills development and R&D.

“Cider Australia is doing all it can to drive integrity in the market and is exceptionally proud to have recently launched a trust mark that can be displayed on ciders made with 100% Australian grown fruit, but we need effective regulation to support these efforts”, said Mr Reid.

Cider Australia’s full proposal is outlined in its Position Statement on Cider Product Integrity.