Over the next three years, Institute of Horticulture (LatHort) in cooperation with Latvian and Estonian cider producers, Latvia Country Tourism Association "Lauku ceļotājs", the Estonian Rural Tourism Association – Puhkus Maal, and the Estonian University of Life Sciences, will develop a cider "terroir map", which is widely known in the wine world and can be successfully used in cider production as well. "Terroir" refers to the information about soil and climatic conditions. This map will be a valuable tool for both consumers – when choosing cider – and producers, helping them make decisions about apple growing and cider production. Within the framework of the project, we will conduct an in-depth analysis of the chemical parameters of apple cultivars to compare their impact on the taste of cider. We will analyse apples and their juice from various regions of Latvia and Estonia. Together, these studies will help us promote the recognition of Baltic cider and the development of the tourism product in the region.

Upon project launch, project partners and cider producers met at the LatHort, to agree on project activities and view apple cultivars in the orchard. We familiarized ourselves with the cultivars that could be used for cider production. On the second day of the meeting, participants visited Pienjāņi Ltd. orchard and cider production facility.