The goal of the project is to initiate the export of craft cider produced in Latvia, Estonia, and Finland to Australia by uniting cider producers under a common Baltic-Finnish cider brand.

Craft cider production is a relatively new sector in the rural economies of Latvia, Estonia, and Finland with excellent potential and a common challenge to expand in new markets. Craft apple cider is produced once a year, from apple juice that is squeezed from carefully selected, freshly picked apples grown in local fruit gardens, and fermented for several months. The Baltic and Finnish ciders have unique taste and aroma qualities due to the specific "terroir" - a composition of climate, soil, apple sorts, and other conditions pertaining to the region. Recognition, medals, and good reputation are earned in international competitions.

Initially, the project targets securing sales and contracts for a core group of approximately 15 craft cider producers. This effort will pave the way for additional interested cideries to follow and benefit from the project's experience and outcomes.

The project approach includes:
1. Preparing SMEs for market entry by providing them with technical and practical knowledge.
2. Launching Baltic and Finnish craft cider on the Australian market through a targeted promotional and launch campaign.

The project will result in fifteen craft cider production companies having achieved sales and entered new markets.

Project budget: The total budget of the Project is 1.499.999,24 EUR, of which the ERDF Interreg Central Baltic Programme contribution is  1.199.999,39  EUR.