Publications
Code of Practice
This Code of Practice has been produced by the Member Associations of the AICV. In accepting the Code, Member Associations agree to be bound by those legal and other requirements which relate to the production of cider, perry and fruit wines. Except where derogation has been allowed, European Legislation, incorporated into National Legislation, takes precedence over all other legislative and non-legislative agreements.
The objective of the Code is to ensure that Member Associations, and others within the Community, recognise that the products of the Cider and Fruit Wine Industries are alcoholic beverages produced only by fermentation. Cider and perry are derived by the fermentation of the juices of apples or pears, respectively, without at any time adding distilled alcohol. Fruit wines are based on the fermentation of the juices of fruits, other than grape, and may either be natural or fortified by the addition of distilled alcohol of agricultural origin.
Analytical Method Manual
This handbook has been produced to specify reliable and acceptable methods for measuring such parameters concerning the quality of cider and fruit wines that the Executive Committee of the AICV considers relevant.
The methods are intended for the guidance of Companies and their Laboratory Personel, so that a measure of conformity across the industry is obtained. In both cases, the precision is detailed in the method. The methods described are recommended for use in conjunction with AICV proficiency tests; they should therefore be checked collaboratively through the AICV proficiency Testing Scheme using Procedure 1 in this manual (aicvpro1.wp)
The methods have been compiled by practising Laboratory Chemists with appropriate expert advice. Although complete in detail, they assume that any user possesses the necessary basic skills. A SAFETY section is incorporated into each method setting out in a manner relevant to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), specific precautions pertinent to the method that have to be taken. However, it is assumed that the user of the methods is trained to operate according to the principles of Good Laboratory Practice.
Specialist advice and assistance may be obtained through the Technical Committee of the AICV.
