OmCider and Apal Sideri win gold and top prize in prestigious cider championship

Norwegian sider has in recent years gained increasing attention beyond the country’s borders, and this year’s results confirm that the development is moving in the right direction. In the International Cider Challenge 2025, which gathers producers from across the world, OmCider was awarded gold in the category Rosé Cider for their sider Flørt. At the same time, Apal Sideri received the highest award – Trophy – for their naturally sparkling sider Aurum.

Both producers have for several years worked with a clear focus on quality, development, and positioning. As «målbedrifter» in «Næringshageprogrammet», they have combined craftsmanship with strategic development work – something the medals now provide clear proof of.

“Winning gold in the International Cider Challenge confirms that we are on the right track, and that we have made some good choices along the way. For us, this is not just about winning a medal, but about receiving recognition from an environment we look up to and respect greatly. We are still a young producer, constantly learning from our own experiences and from the knowledge in the industry. We therefore meet this award with pride, but also with humility – because we know this is only the beginning of a longer journey. The prize gives us motivation to keep developing, stay true to the craft, and at the same time challenge ourselves to take new steps,” says Andreas Kvame of OmCider.

“It feels completely unreal – but incredibly exciting – to be able to say that our sider Aurum has been awarded the Trophy, the very top prize, in the International Cider Challenge! This is one of the largest and most recognized cider competitions in the world, so to receive this distinction is both moving and motivating. Behind every bottle lies a lot of work, trial and error, and above all, a deep love for the raw materials and the craft. To receive such recognition from an international panel of experts means the world to us. A huge thank you to everyone who has cheered, tasted, given feedback, and believed in what we do. This gives us new energy to continue developing even better cider – and, most importantly, to help lift Norwegian cider onto the world stage,” says Dan Olav Sæbø of Apal Sideri.

A competition of high prestige
The International Cider Challenge (ICC) is being held for the 15th time this year and is recognized as one of the most important arenas for quality assessment of cider. The jury consists of a broad panel of producers, sensory experts, journalists, buyers, and professionals from across the industry.

All products are evaluated through blind tasting, where quality, balance, complexity, and stylistic integrity are decisive criteria. A medal in ICC is a mark of quality, and winning a Trophy is an honor reserved for only the very best.

That Apal Sideri secured the main prize for Aurum highlights the quality found in Norwegian fruit and cider craftsmanship. At the same time, OmCider’s Flørt shows that modern, fruity rosé styles can also hold their own among the world’s elite.

A quality stamp for the entire industry
Through targeted efforts, combined with support from the Næringshageprogrammet, OmCider and Apal Sideri have built strong positions in a highly competitive industry. This year’s results are therefore not only a victory for the individual producers but also a symbol of what is possible to achieve in Norwegian agriculture and the beverage industry.

“That both OmCider and Apal Sideri reach the very top in the International Cider Challenge shows the quality and strength within Norwegian cider production. These are two målbedrifter that have worked strategically and long-term with development, and it is inspiring to see how this now pays off on the world stage. For us in TEAL, this is proof of what is possible when dedicated producers combine passion for craftsmanship with structured business development. These awards are not only a victory for the two companies but also an important signal that Norwegian cider can take a clear international position,” says Bent O. Hansen at TEAL.

With increasing international attention, new doors are opening for Norwegian cider – in terms of export, collaboration, and visibility. And with producers who dare to invest, challenge themselves, and raise the bar, everything is set for continued growth.

Congratulations to OmCider and Apal Sideri on their impressive achievements – we look forward to following the journey ahead.