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Nordic MEPs oppose stricter EU cider definition
🇫🇮 Finland /Economy & Trade

Nordic MEPs oppose stricter EU cider definition

From Helsingin Sanomat · () Finnish

Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Five Nordic MEPs oppose the EU Commission's proposed new definition of cider, which would restrict the term to drinks made primarily from apple or pear juice.
  • Critics argue the proposal favors French and Spanish cider makers and undervalues consumer understanding, potentially creating unnecessary complexity.
  • The Commission has since revised its proposal, creating categories for 'classic cider,' 'cider,' and 'cider drinks' with varying juice content requirements.

A push within the European Union to redefine cider has sparked opposition from five Nordic members of the European Parliament. The European Commission's initial proposal aimed to reserve the term "cider" exclusively for beverages made predominantly from apple or pear juice. Other products currently sold as cider would have been reclassified as "cider-based drinks."

MEPs, including Finland's Pekka Toveri and Sebastian Tynkkynen, criticized the proposal, arguing it unfairly favors traditional cider producers in France and Spain while disregarding the diverse cider-making traditions in Nordic countries. They contend the move oversimplifies consumer understanding and creates unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for producers who have long made cider using different methods and ingredients.

The original proposal did not take into account that in the Nordic countries, cider has been made in a different way for a long time compared to these southern countries, which based the initiative on traditional cider-making methods.

— Pekka ToveriA Finnish MEP explains the Nordic perspective on cider production.

"The original proposal did not take into account that in the Nordic countries, cider has been made in a different way for a long time compared to these southern countries, which based the initiative on traditional cider-making methods," Toveri told HS. He added that the EU's attempt to complicate the issue could force consumers to specify their preferences when ordering cider in bars, choosing between traditional cider, cider, or cider drinks.

Nordic cider often incorporates a wider range of flavors beyond apples and pears, including fruits like watermelon and blueberry. The Commission's initial proposal would have necessitated costly label changes for these producers. Following significant criticism, the Commission has modified its proposal. The revised version introduces three categories: "classic cider" (100% fruit juice), "cider" (minimum 35% juice), and "cider drinks" (lower juice content). Toveri views this revised proposal as a considerable improvement, allowing Nordic companies to continue their established production methods.

Authorities are concerned about whether citizens can distinguish mainstream drinks from traditional products from Normandy and Asturias.

— MEPs' opinion pieceThe MEPs criticized the Commission's proposal for its perceived condescension towards consumers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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