Threatened Somerset Cider Brandy wins PGI status

28 September 2011 by
Threatened Somerset Cider Brandy wins PGI status

Somerset Cider Brandy, an historic spirit that faced being outlawed, has been granted Protected Geographical Indication Status in Europe following a four-year, government-backed campaign by suppliers and the http://www.ciderbrandy.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Wine and Spirit Trade Association](http://www.wsta.co.uk).

Written records for the niche spirit made from distilled cider date back to 1678, but it was threatened with prohibition after being omitted from an EU list defining brandy products. Spanish brandy suppliers wanted the term restricted to products derived from grapes.

"This decision will protect the long-term future of an industry that already contributes more than £4m to Somerset's economy, and will preserve the local landscape and way of life," said agriculture minister James Paice.

Julian Temperley, whose [Somerset Cider Brandy Company is the largest producer in the county and in 1989 became the first company in recorded history to be granted a full cider distilling licence , said the new status would "help secure the future of traditional orchards" in the West Country.

The Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email

Start the working day with The Caterer’s free breakfast briefing email

Sign Up and manage your preferences below

Check mark icon
Thank you

You have successfully signed up for the Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email and will hear from us soon!

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.

close

Ad Blocker detected

We have noticed you are using an adblocker and – although we support freedom of choice – we would like to ask you to enable ads on our site. They are an important revenue source which supports free access of our website's content, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

trade tracker pixel tracking