The Covered Square of La Pola Siero once again became the main showcase for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Asturies Cider on Wednesday with the celebration of the fifteenth edition of the PDO Cider of Asturies Salon, an event that served to officially present the 2026 campaign and brought together growers, cider makers, distributors, hospitality professionals and other figures linked to the sector.
A total of 28 cider mills took part in the event, giving visitors the opportunity to discover and taste the ciders protected by the designation. The presence of the cider makers themselves turned the gathering into a privileged forum for exchanging views on the apple harvest, the characteristics of the new ciders and the future challenges facing the industry.
The major winner of this year’s edition was Contrueces, from Xixón, which received the highest distinction in the Traditional Natural Cider category. Completing the podium were Quelo, from Tiñana, which took silver, and Val de Boides, produced by Sidra Castañón in Quintueles, which earned the bronze award. In the remaining categories, two ciders from Sidra El Gobernador, based in Villaviciosa, retained their titles: Españar as Best Filtered Cider and EM as Best Sparkling Cider. The award for Best Apple Grower went to Juan Antonio Junco.
Beyond the cider tastings, the salon once again highlighted the close connection between Asturies’ emblematic drink and the region’s wider range of quality food products. Visitors were able to pair the different ciders with a broad selection of foods protected by various quality labels, including Asturian cheeses, fabes, honey and xata beef. Together, they created a gastronomic journey that showcased the many possibilities for cider pairing.
The event also served to appoint Montse Tomé, from La Pola Siero, as the new ambassador of the PDO Cider of Asturies. The former coach of Spain’s women’s national football team emphasised the cultural and social significance of cider during her speech, describing it as “much more than a drink” because it represents history, tradition and a way of life.
Meanwhile, the president of the Regulatory Council, Jorge García Álvarez, praised the quality of the new ciders, which come from what he described as an especially good apple harvest. According to García, the designation is currently experiencing a positive period and aims to continue growing in the coming years, both in sales and in the area devoted to cider apple orchards.
Once again, the PDO Cider of Asturies Salon became a meeting point for the entire sector and a collective celebration of Asturies’ cider culture, where producers, cider makers and consumers were able to discover first-hand the ciders that will define the new campaign.
