For cideries

BALT-FIN-CIDER Open Call – Exporting Craft Cider to Australia

This is an open call for craft cider producers interested in joining the Central Baltic Programme project “Exports of the Baltic and Finnish Craft Ciders to Australia”, No. CB0700297 (BALT-FIN-CIDER), which aims to launch exports of craft ciders from Latvia, Estonia and Finland to Australia under a common Baltic Cider brand. The BALT-FIN-CIDER call is open to all craft cider makers or entrepreneurs interested in starting or improving craft cider (made from fresh apple juice) production.

The project is implemented by the Latvian Country Tourism Association Lauku ceļotājs as the lead partner, in cooperation with the Estonian Rural Tourism Organisation as a project partner and the Craft Cider Association in Finland as a cooperation partner.

We are collectively proud of our real cider – a high-quality, authentic product made from local apples that reflects our regional identity – and we believe strongly in its export potential.

Craft cider producers who are ready to explore opportunities to enter the Australian cider market must meet the following criteria:

  • No concentrates are used in cider production
  • Cider is made from fresh apple juice (may include other ingredients: added fruits, berries, or herbs)
  • Juice is made from domestic apples (not imported)
  • Willingness to collaborate in promoting cider under the common Baltic Cider brand
  • Interest in and capacity for exporting cider to Australia
  • Ability to communicate in English
  • Willingness to co-finance participation in marketing and sales events, training, and consultations
  • Willingness to contribute. Contribute to joint marketing through collaborative events.

The application is approved by the project consortium, which consists of representatives from the project partners. If there is any doubt about the craft cider producer's compliance with the criteria, the application is reviewed by the project steering group.

Joining the Baltic Cider brand and project gives craft cider producers access to training and consultations on the Australian market – including trends, regulations, and import procedures – along with promotional and sales events in Australia. Participation also involves active engagement in networking and joint activities. Project duration is from May 1, 2025 - April 30, 2028. The call is open for the project duration.

How to apply:

If you wish to become part of the BALT-FIN-CIDER collective by responding to this open call, please send a brief introduction of your company to the BALT-FIN-CIDER coordinator and feel free to ask if you have questions:
Latvian Country Tourism Association “Lauku celotajs”, project coordinator Aija Trizna, e-mail: aija@celotajs.lv.
We’ll add you to our craft cider community contacts and keep you informed about upcoming events.

More info about the project: https://www.celotajs.lv/en/project/45