What is artisanal cider?
In France, "artisanal" (artisan) cider is a regulated label term since 1 January 2026: the cider must be made by a registered artisan on their own sites, without concentrate or added water, with the artisan's name and address on the label. UK duty guidance and US federal cider rules do not define it.
Updated
The French definition (décret 2025-162)
Under French décret 2025-162, the label term "artisanal" (or any equivalent term) is reserved for cider or perry:
- made, through every step up to final packaging and labelling, by an artisan within the meaning of article L. 211-1 of the French crafts code, or under their responsibility, on their own production site or sites;
- obtained without concentrated or rectified concentrated must;
- with the artisan's name or business name and address on the label. [1]
Water may not be used for "pur jus", "fermier" or "artisanal" ciders. The "artisanal" provisions apply from 1 January 2026; the rest of the décret has applied since 1 July 2025. [1]
Fermier, pur jus and artisanal compared
| Term (France) | Who makes it | Fruit | Concentrate | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artisanal | An artisan, on their own sites | Not specified | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Fermier | The farm operator, on the farm | Only from that farm | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Pur jus | Anyone | Not specified | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Source: [1]. The glossary entry for farmhouse cider covers the English term. For juice and concentrate rules in other countries, see how much juice is in cider.
What does "artisanal" mean outside France?
Neither HMRC's cider guidance nor TTB's cider FAQs define "artisanal" or "craft". [2] [3] BJCP 2025 describes Heirloom Cider (C1B) as "a type of 'craft' cider produced in North America, eastern England, and elsewhere in the world", but BJCP guidelines are for competitions, not labels. [4] Outside France, ask the maker what they mean: where the fruit comes from, whether they use concentrate, and who presses and ferments. The guide to types of cider explains craft cider.
Related answers: how much juice is in cider · where to buy French cider
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Dates in this answer were checked on 2 October 2026 and are due for review by January 2027.
Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.
Questions
What is the difference between artisanal and fermier cider in France?
"Fermier" (farm) cider must be made on the farm by the farm operator, only from fruit harvested on that farm. "Artisanal" cider must be made by an artisan on their own production sites. Both exclude concentrate and added water. [1]
Is craft cider the same as artisanal cider?
Not legally. BJCP uses "craft" loosely, describing Heirloom Cider (C1B) as "a type of 'craft' cider produced in North America, eastern England, and elsewhere". [4] It is a style guideline, not law.
Do the French rules apply to imported cider?
No. Products legally made or sold in another EU member state or Turkey, or legally made in an EEA state, are exempt from the décret. [1]
Sources
- Décret n° 2025-162 relatif aux cidres et aux poirés — Légifrance (French Government)
- Alcoholic products technical guide: section 2, alcoholic products — HM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)
- Cider FAQs — Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
- 2025 BJCP Cider Style Guidelines: C1B Heirloom Cider — BJCP