The Interreg Aurora funded project Botnia Ice Cider Appellation Part 1 – the forming of an appellation for growth and value of ice cider in an international market has been successfully completed. The project is laying the foundation for a unique cross-border protected status for ice cider in northern Sweden and Finland. The initiative represents both the culmination of several years of collaboration between producers and the starting point for long-term regional development.
Background and purpose of the project
Since the first production of ice cider in the Botnia region in 2010, a small but dedicated cluster of producers has emerged. Over time, these producers have aligned around shared principles for producing high-quality ice cider based on northern conditions.
To formalize these principles and position the product internationally, the project was initiated with support from Interreg Aurora. The goal was to finalize and submit an application for EU protected status while building the necessary scientific, historical, and communicative foundation to support it.
Building the foundation for a protected status
The project brought together three producers—Brännland Iscider and Bute Cider in Sweden, and Liselund Cider in Finland—in a close cross-border collaboration.
Together, they carried out a series of coordinated activities:
- Drafting and finalizing the application for protected status
- Collecting climate, soil, and historical data from both countries
- Developing maps and statistical documentation
- Creating a unified graphical identity and designation mark
- Building a public digital platform to explain the product and region
All activities were completed ahead of schedule, supported by strong partner engagement and efficient collaboration with external experts.
Scientific validation through reference tasting
A central component of the project was a reference tasting conducted in August 2025 by internationally recognized Masters of Wine. The purpose was to independently assess whether ice cider produced from apples grown in the Botnia region differs significantly from products made with fruit from more southern areas.
The results confirmed that the region’s unique climate and growing conditions create a distinct sensory profile. This validation forms a key part of the submitted application and establishes a baseline for future producers within the proposed appellation.
Communication and public engagement
Communication has been an integral part of the project. Results and progress have been, and will continue to be, shared through:
- Social media platforms such as LinkedIn
- Press releases at national and international level
- Producer websites and stakeholder channels
- The dedicated website: www.botniaicecider.com
The communication targets multiple audiences, including consumers, distributors, hospitality professionals, media, and other producers.
The website serves as an open-access platform where visitors can learn about ice cider production, the Botnia region, and the proposed protected status. In addition, the graphical identity developed within the project is already being used on product labels, further increasing public awareness.
The importance of cross-border collaboration
The project is inherently cross-border, with producers from both Sweden and Finland working toward a shared protected status that reflects a common geographical and climatic reality.
This east–west collaboration is essential to the credibility of the appellation and represents a new model for regional development within the EU framework. By working together, the partners have strengthened not only the application itself but also the long-term potential for joint growth in production, tourism, and exports.
Results and long-term impact
The project has delivered two main results:
- A finalized and submitted application for EU protected status for Botnia Ice Cider
- A public communication platform supporting awareness and education
However, the broader impact lies in the long-term effects a protected status can generate.
If granted, the designation is expected to:
- Increase the market value of ice cider produced in the region
- New agricultural activity, particularly apple cultivation
- Create jobs and support rural economic development
- Encourage tourism linked to ice cider production and regional experiences
Experiences from established wine regions show that protected status systems contribute to increased land value, population stability, and stronger local economies. Similar developments are anticipated in the Botnia region.
Beyond economics, the initiative also strengthens regional identity and pride. Each bottle of Botnia ice cider acts as an ambassador for the region—its climate, craftsmanship, and cultural landscape—both locally and internationally.
Benefits for citizens and the region
For citizens in the Botnia area, the long-term benefits include new opportunities in agriculture, hospitality, and tourism, as well as increased international visibility.
The growth of ice cider production is expected to create demand not only for apples but potentially for other crops suited to the region’s evolving agricultural landscape. At the same time, increased visitor flows will benefit local service industries and contribute to a more vibrant rural economy.
Exit strategy and next steps
Rather than concluding the work, the project marks the beginning of a new phase. The partners have established a producer association to manage and develop the proposed appellation, ensuring long-term stewardship and enabling new producers to join.
The immediate next step is the evaluation of the application by national authorities in Sweden and Finland, followed by review at EU level. This process may take several years, but the groundwork laid by the project increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
In parallel, communication efforts will continue, ensuring that awareness of Botnia Ice Cider grows alongside the formal process.
Learn more about the completed Interreg Aurora project Botnia Ice Cider.
