Cider making excellence will be under the spotlight at the annual Australian Cider Awards, which opened for entries today.

Australia’s largest cider show enters its eighth year with expectations of more than 300 entries and a commitment to show the world that Australian ciders are up there with the best.

President of Cider Australia and co-founder of Willie Smith’s Cider Makers in Tasmania Sam Reid said the Awards have become a stamp of quality that producers respect and aspire towards.

“By recognising excellence in production we encourage the cider industry to keep building skills, investing and pushing the boundaries of what consumers expect”, said Mr Reid.

“We have introduced a new low alcohol cider and perry class this year in response to growth in this segment of the market, and predict a continued surge in entries of more complex traditional ciders and craft spirits.

“Every year more entries excite and “wow” the palates of our judges, and we can’t wait to see what emerges this year.

“This year with the Australian industry beginning to focus on exporting as part of the $500,000 Export and Regional Wine Support package there will be an even greater focus on how Australian ciders perform against their International counterparts, and I for one can’t wait until the Awards dinner!”, he said.

Twenty-eight classes will be judged covering standard cider and perry, specialty and intensified and distilled styles.

Winners will be announced at a gala industry dinner on Friday 5th October at the Mercure Sydney, with more celebrations at the Australian Cider Festival on Saturday 6th October.

Enter the 2018 Australian Cider Awards online viawww.cideraustralia.org.au/ awards.

Entries close on Friday 31st August 2018.

Full details on award classes and rules are in the2018 style guideand2018 competition information.