Labeling requirements in other countries, a major obstacle to exporting cider outside Spain

The declaration of the Asturian cider culture as Intangible Heritage of Humanity could not only be a draw for tourism in Asturias and a spur to domestic production and consumption, but also a "boost" for the export of the emblematic drink outside of Spanish borders, say sources in the sector. However, companies point out the obstacle posed by the different labelling requirements of the bottles by the receiving countries. "As the volumes are normally small in each country, the fact of having to comply with different labelling policies increases costs, makes the process more difficult and narrows margins," explains Isabel Trabanco, legal director of Sidra Trabanco and member of the fourth generation of the century-old Gijón company. Trabanco cites some examples of the labels that, depending on the country, must be displayed on the containers, from pictograms with a pregnant woman to prevent alcohol consumption and recycling icons that certify the sustainability of the product's ...