Success for Kiwi ciders at Japan Cider Cup

Three New Zealand ciders made with a new cider apple variety have found success at the Japan Cider Cup.

‘Apple Blossom’ made by Carmen Gray at Elemental Cider was awarded a Gold Medal, while ‘Aporo Secco’ made by Simon Pearce at The Cider Factorie was awarded a Silver Medal. A second cider from Elemental, ‘Vanilla Blossom’ was awarded Bronze.

The three ciders all used ‘Pure Blossom’ – a new pink flesh cider apple and one of four new varieties developed by industry group Cider Apples NZ as part of its plan to create a premium cider export industry in New Zealand.

Several New Zealand craft cideries have made initial ciders using the new varieties for global market testing and gathering trade and consumer insights in key target markets, such as China and Japan.

John Powell of Cider Apples NZ says they are delighted with the success at the Japan Cider Cup. A cider and food matching event is also being held in Tokyo this week.