Cider Australia is using a grant to develop innovative sleuthing technology that can verify if a cider is made from 100 per cent Aussie-grown fruit.
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said the Australian Government is investing in the high-tech authenticity test as part of its commitment to enhanced supply chain traceability.
“Aussie-produced cider made from 100 per cent locally grown apples and pears is head and shoulders one of the world’s premium drinks,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Chemical fingerprinting will enable the Australian industry to authenticate the origin of the fruit used in its ciders.
“This will build increased confidence in overseas markets that cider labelled as Australian is, indeed Australian, and that they can be assured of its quality and safety.
“Enhanced traceability technologies like chemical fingerprinting are more reliable and simpler than costly record keeping and auditing processes.
“This kind of authenticity test will also discourage product substitution or counterfeiting as our cider industry gears up for increased exports, capitalising on our reputation.
“The Australian Government is investing in innovative projects like this to support industry’s ambition of growing agriculture to a $100 billion sector by 2030.”
Vice President of Cider Australia Warwick Billings said the project will bring transparency and truth to claims about provenance which is important for Australian producers and their customers, and for the long-term viability of the industry.
