Two of Norway's leading cider producers, Apal Sideri and OmCider from Hjelmeland in Ryfylke, are now taking the leap into the world. With the support of us at TEAL and a collaboration with the exporter Arctic Appetites, they are launching their craft sitters in Spain — with an exclusive event in Barcelona on May 26.
In the iconic venue Esferic, located in Barcelona's Montjuïc Park, more than 100 guests from the Spanish Horeca segment (hotel, restaurant and catering), together with influencers and the press, will experience the highest quality sides. The event, which is led by Gabe Cook - also known as The Ciderologist - offers tastings with several award-winning products from Apal Sideri and OMCider, including “Silver Pages” and “Valagubben,” as well as sides made with the classic méthode traditionnelle, known from champagne.
During the launch, participants will taste a selection of the sides from Hjelmeland, perfectly combined with food pairings from Spanish gastronomy. Arne Nese, master chef and known for his focus on local produce, will guide participants through tastings, food and drink pairings, and a panel debate on cider's place in European gastronomy. Arne Nese is responsible for the menu and combinations together with the kitchen at Esferic.
The bet is not just symbolic. Already, four pallets of Norwegian sides are on their way from Hjelmeland to Spain, ready to be served during the launch and for further dialogue with importers and restaurants. It marks the start of a targeted export race where the goal is firm presence in the Spanish market.
“We have long believed that Norwegian sides have a great, untapped potential in the world. Getting to show off our products in Barcelona is incredibly motivating” says Dan Olav Sæbø from Apal Sideri.
Bodil Kvame of OmCider follows up:
“We have spent many years developing real, complex and sustainable products. Now we can't wait to meet the Spanish restaurant market — and let the sides speak for themselves.”
Quality, cooperation and export ambition
We at TEAL, which is part of the national Næringshage Programme, have assisted with business development, export preparations and strategy ahead of the launch.
“This shows what is possible when local producers dare to think big and are supported to realise their ambitions. It is inspiring to see that quality products from Hjelmeland are now receiving international attention”, says Bent O. Hansen, COO of TEAL.
Exporter Arctic Appetites has been working closely with producers to rig the event and build relationships in the Spanish market.
“Norwegian sites are still a well-kept secret internationally. We want to change that — and this is an important first step.”, says Jon Magnus Solgaard, general manager of Arctic Appetites.
Quality and character in every drop
Ryfylke has sailed up as a new force in Norwegian cider production — with apples grown in the fresh fjord air and cold climate providing cider with distinct character. Apal Sideri and OmCider — both from Hjelmeland.
Apal Sideri, started by Dan Olav Sæbø at the family farm, makes elegant, dry siders with a distinct craftsmanship touch. The flagship cider “Sølvsider” won gold at CiderWorld in Frankfurt, and the company had the largest percentage growth in the category at Vinmonopolet in 2024.
OMCider, run by Bodil and Andreas Kvame at Fevoll Gård, combines modern production with a focus on quality and taste. In 2024, their “Odel” sides won gold at the International Beer & Cider Awards in Manchester — one of the most prestigious competitions in the world.
Together they show that sides from Ryfylke are entering the international top echelon — with pride, precision and raw materials with genuine origins.
