Chairman and facilitator: François Gilles (IFPC)

Chairman: Franck Malinowski (CEO of CCLF, President of the UNICID, Vice-President of the AICV)

The last few decades have seen radical changes in the cider sector, both in France and abroad.

Products and markets, which have taken different courses in different countries, have had varying fortunes: increased sales of cider in the UK and Ireland; in France, a narrowing of products that, while remaining faithful to the tradition, have found a new niche among more urban and more demanding consumers; and in Canada, a renaissance in cider-drinking, following a period of sharp decline, thanks to a new product on the market.

Consumption in general is currently going through a period of crisis, and this applies especially to the drinks market. On top of this, there are significant changes still to come including the overhaul of orchards in France, changes to the CAP, changes towards environmentally friendly production, new consumer expectations, and changes in behaviour and regulations in relation to alcoholic drinks. On the other hand, we can also expect an opening of borders and economic growth internationally. In this context it is useful to take an overview of the state of the cider market and where it is going, in the light of work carried out in France and experiences from abroad.

This year's discussions will examine these questions from a variety of perspectives:
summary of the main findings of a study into consumer preferences carried out in France by the Normandy * Regional Chamber of Commerce.

• presentation by the IFPC of significant factors (from the apple to the finished product) having a role in the making of cider and its characteristic features,
• contributions from foreign players on their experience in their countries: raw materials, production methods, types of products, markets.

9.15 - 9.30am: Word of introduction

Franck Malinowski (CEO of CCLF, President of the UNICID*, Vice-President of the AICV**)

9.30 - 10.30am: In France

Consumer preferences: results of a study carried out by the Normandy Regional Chamber of Commerce on consumer demand in France
Yann Gilles (Normandy Regional Chamber of Commerce)

From the apple to the glass: significant technical factors influencing the production and characteristics of cider
Jo Primault, Rémi Bauduin (Institut Français des Productions Cidricoles)

10.30 - 11.00am: Break

Tasting of foreign ciders

11.00am - 12.45pm: Beyond our borders

The global cider market: trends, outlooks and innovation in Europe and the rest of the world
Jean-Pierre Stassen (STASSEN, AICV Technical Committee Coordinator)

Characteristics, production and consumption of cider in different countries: Belgium, Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain and Canada
With contributions from Jean-Pierre Stassen, Enrique Dapena (SERIDA - Regional Agrifoods Research and Development Service for Asturias, Spain) and André Caron (SAQ - Quebec Alcohol Corporation, Canada)

12.45 - 1.00pm: Conclusion

What does the future hold for France?
Franck Malinowski (CEO of CCLF, President of the UNICID*, Vice-President of the AICV**)


*Union Nationale Interprofessionnelle Cidricole (National Interprofessional Cider Union)
**Association des Industries des Cidres et Vins de fruits de l'UE (Association of EU Cider and Fruit Wine Industries)