Pages from Sogn receive a protected designation

Cider from Sogn has been granted a protected designation. The scheme provides the strongest protection a product can receive in Norway and is intended to ensure quality, diversity and local roots in cider production in Sogn.

Cider from Sogn received a protected designation today. This gives the cider the strongest protection a product can receive in Norway.

– This means a lot to the cider community in Sogn, says Endre Kleiveland.
He is chairman of the board of Sogn Fruit and Cider Guild and cider producer at Ølmheim cider orchard.

According to Kleiveland, the significance is twofold. Firstly, the scheme provides long-term protection for the product.
Secondly, it makes the site easier to explain and sell internationally.

– Geographical indications are well known in Europe. This gives Sider frå Sogn a clear seal of quality, he says.

Diversity and quality

Cider from Sogn is characterized by great diversity. It can be dry or sweet. Some are added with berries and herbs. Others are acidic or clearly tannic. Common to all ciders are the raw materials. The apples must be grown in Sogn.
The actual production must also take place in the region.

– This is how we ensure that the cider is actually from Sogn, says Kleiveland.

Believe in ripple effects

He hopes the protection will have more effects: more producers, more visitors and a larger market for Norwegian silk.

– We believe this will attract both Norwegian and foreign tourists.
People want to experience the cider where it is made.

What are protected designations?

Protected designations are intended to preserve the distinctive character of Norwegian food and drink. The scheme applies to products with a clear geographical origin.

It has strict requirements for documentation. Production must follow traditional methods. Taste and quality must be traceable back to the place.

This protects the craftsmanship, history and local diversity.

Visit Siderlandet Norge to see an overview of cider producers and which ciders they produce: https://www.siderlandet.no/