At the regular meeting (on September 9, 2025) of the project “Knowledge-driven Baltic Cider Production and Branding for Growth and Competitiveness of SMEs” (Baltic Cider), representatives of project partners met at the Estonian cider production company Jaanihanso Cidery. Participants included representatives from the Latvian Country Tourism Association “Lauku ceļotājs”, the Estonian Rural Tourism Association, the Estonian University of Life Sciences (Polli), the Institute of Horticulture, as well as cider producers from Latvia and Estonia.

During the meeting, the parties agreed on further tasks and activities related to the repeat collection of apple samples and corresponding juice for cider production, and their delivery to research institutions for chemical analysis. Cider producers presented their ideas for pilot cider production – including, for example, the application of new technological solutions in the cider-making process, the use of apple cultivars suitable for cider from collections of institutes, and testing barrels made from different wood species to evaluate their impact on cider quality indicators.

Together with a representative from Abuls Cidery, the group discussed activities aimed at preparing experimental dry ciders using juice from three apple cultivars – ‘Auksis’, ‘Dabinett’, and ‘Sinap Orlovskii’ – grown in both partner countries.

Representatives from Polli reported on the content of various polyphenols and tannins found in fruit juice samples collected in 2024. Extensive discussions took place on the chemical composition of the fruit, the use of added enzymes, fermentation time and conditions, aromatic compounds, and other factors influencing the final product – the quality and consumer appeal of the cider.

Representatives from the Institute of Horticulture presented the concept of the Terroir Map. At this stage, it compiles analytical results (including soil and juice chemical composition) and includes prepared informational material important for the map’s development. It was decided to continue work on the map by adding new information, including analysis results from the second production season’s raw materials.

At the end of the meeting, participants visited the Jaanihanso Cidery production site – a family-owned company with cider-brewing facilities (production rooms, warehouses, tasting halls, and event spaces, such as for “Apple Festivals”), as well as its own orchard. As the owner noted, what began as a long-term hobby in 2013 has since become a professional activity, and since 2016, Jaanihanso Cidery has been fully certified as an organic farming producer.

The insights and experience gained during the project meeting will help all participants achieve project goals, develop new ideas and solutions, and continue working towards improving the recognition and competitiveness of Baltic cider. A glimpse of the previous in-person project meeting can be seen here.