Madeira's Iconic Cider Receives €100,000 Boost

The Regional Government of Madeira has pledged a substantial investment of €100,000 to support the Madeira Cider IGP (Indicação Geográfica Protegida). This initiative, announced by Nuno Maciel, the Regional Secretary of Agriculture and Fisheries, aims to bolster the local cider industry by providing a subsidy of 1 euro per liter.

The announcement was made during the opening of the 2nd edition of the Cider Fest, held at Avenida Arriaga, which will run until June 25. The festival celebrates the unique cider culture of Madeira and aims to attract both locals and tourists.

This financial support is designed to incentivize the production and marketing of certified products, thereby increasing the value of regional produce and enhancing the income of local producers. The support is part of a broader effort to consolidate the Madeira Cider IGP brand.

To qualify for this support, producers must adhere to strict guidelines as outlined in the Specification Book. These guidelines ensure that the cider is made from apples and pears grown exclusively on Madeira, with naturally fermented sugars, a minimum alcohol content of 5%, and total acidity of at least 3 g/l.

The initiative comes as a response to the recent challenges faced by the cider industry on the island. The devastating fires in 2023 and 2024 severely impacted the orchards in key producing municipalities, leading to a sharp decline in cider production.

However, the 2025/2026 season has shown a remarkable recovery. The island produced 31,000 kg of apples and pears and 20,000 liters of cider, marking a significant increase of 278% in raw materials and 376% in cider production compared to the previous season.

This resurgence is a promising sign for Madeira's agricultural sector, which relies heavily on traditional products such as cider to sustain its economy and cultural heritage.

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