The Australian cider industry is hoping to get the Federal Government’s attention with a new petition for cider to be included in Country of Origin labeling laws. “The government says cider is a product people don’t prioritise as in need of clearer labeling laws. This petition aims to prove otherwise,” says Sam Reid, the head of Cider Australia, who has organized the petition.
A similar petition focused on seafood has achieved 45,000 signatures, but the Government has not so far taken any action. Mr Reid is hoping to obtain 50,000 or more signatures so that the Government will be persuaded to listen to industry concerns and take action. “We're hoping this petition will go viral and educate people to look out for it,” he adds. “Individual producers try and educate every day through their festival activations and cellar doors. Its a slow burn but it will get there.”
While the petition is ongoing, and the laws are being implemented with other fresh produce grown and produced in Australia, Mr Reid says cider growers are considering using the ‘Aussie Apples’ logo on their bottles and packaging. The aim is to make it clear to consumers which cider makers use Australian grown apples and not imported concentrate. “We think the Aussie Apples brand is already developed and so it is probably better that we use an established brand Vs starting a new one.”
Foreign produce is being used to make cheaper cider sold in Australia, and many consumers are not aware of the consequences, Mr Reid says. “Without further action and attention on this issue cheap ciders will dominate the category and eventually force producers using local ingredients to go out of business.”
