The EU is looking at the issue of what can be called cider. There are no formal rules on what can be called cider in the Union.

In Sweden, a minimum of 15% fermented fruit juice from apples and/or pears is sufficient for a product to be called cider. In France and Spain, they say it must be 100%.

The process of finding a standard has been going on for three years but has not reached a conclusion. The Commission's draft proposal for cider includes a juice content of at least 50% apple or pear. The Nordic countries are skeptical. In all these countries, sweetened cider is a major product.

At the same time, France and Spain think that the level should be raised. However, Sweden is the export leader in cider, given the success of Kopparbergs and others.