Interview with Italian Apple Cider Producers: Floribunda

Who is Floribunda and What is Their Story?

Floribunda cider creations developed from a small organic apple production company located in Salorno, Bolzano province. The team consists of Franz, Theolinde, and their daughter Magdalena.

Franz, passionate about fermentation, began experimenting with Gravenstein apples in the 1980s. He realized that the bubbles and barely noticeable residual sugar obtained through bottle re-fermentation highlighted the cider’s flavor notes. In 2002, he obtained the commercial license. Inspired by memories and traditions, in 2003, he created an elderflower co-fermented cider, followed by a quince cider over the years.

Since 2015, Theolinde and Magdalena have actively participated in the company, creating the Floribunda brand, representing their decision to align cider production with the organic management philosophy of their apple orchards. From this point forward, all Floribunda cider creations remain naturally cloudy without adding sulfites during any production processes.

What Are the Characteristics of Your Cider and How Is It Different from Other Types of Cider?

With fermentations in stainless steel, barrels, and bottles of juice and/or crushed parts, we aim to enhance the multiple characteristics of apples, other fruits, flowers, and spices.

In our co-fermented ciders, apples and co-ferments are harmoniously balanced, supporting each other. By remaining on the lees in the bottle, all creations have aging potential, developing tertiary aromas. In international competitions and publications, our ciders are classified as modern cider or co-fermented cider with fruits and herbs.

Which Apples Do You Use to Produce It?

Due to local and family traditions, we use table apples.

Since converting to organic farming in 1994, we have replaced conventional varieties with those resistant to apple scab, such as Topaz and Gold Rush, which are characterized by intense aromas and an interesting sugar-acid balance. The resistance is due to a cross with the Japanese flowering crabapple (Malus floribunda), from which we also drew inspiration for our brand name.

How Is Your Cider Received Nationally and Internationally?

Our participation in fairs and competitions, nationally and especially internationally (Swiss Cider Award, Sagardo Forum, Cider World), has generated interest in our ciders. Today, we export to Japan, Taiwan, and the United States, as well as France and Belgium. Among connoisseurs, we are known as the cider makers of co-fermented ciders.

How Do You See the Cider Market Today?

Cider, characterized by freshness, low alcohol content, and a wide range of “co-fermentable” fruit nuances, is gaining increasing interest not only in Asian and Anglo-Saxon countries but also in Italy.

Although at lower levels, curious consumers are interested in expanding their choice of “tonight’s drink,” whether as an aperitif or an all-meal companion.

Is There Room for Innovations and to “Reinvent Cider” in a Modern Key?

In Italy, with our limited cider tradition, cider represents a modern beverage. We are not yet at the point of needing to reinvent it; rather, it is about developing an Italian-style cider. A cider that takes advantage of enological knowledge and our territory.

Is Cider a Niche Beverage in a Country Like Italy Where Wine Dominates?

It is currently niche, but it is important that the niche and occasions to open a bottle of cider are seized. Consumers may still need to realize that for every occasion, the choice has expanded, offering more possibilities in terms of tastes and pairings. Niche or not, what matters is that cider is considered.

Cider Drinker Profile: Who Is the Cider Lover According to You?

A curious person, eager to explore what tones apples and/or other fruits can bring to the glass. Someone who likes experimenting with new pairings or anyone who wants a refreshing drink with low alcohol.

Do Young People Today Drink Cider?

Yes, although they prefer formats similar to beer (cans, 33cl bottles) and English-style ciders.

Cider and Craft Beer: Competition and Rivalry or Do They Get Along?

Both.

Where Can You Buy Floribunda Cider?

Directly at the company or via email: info@floribunda.it (we also offer guided tours with tastings). Floribunda South Tyrol: Naturalia, Kisok Otto, some Coop points of sale, Val Venosta farm shop Lombardy: Enoteca Ricciardi, Terroir Milano Rome: Luppolo Station, Luppolo12 Online: Digital brewing cellar