From Tradition to Tech: Introducing Data-Driven Ciders [And Winning Awards]
“I get the data without lifting a finger; I usually just pick up my phone or go to my computer, and it’s all there.”
How Alde Sider Enhances Recipe Precision with PLAATO Pro Fermentation Monitoring
During a visit to Alde Sider, we had the chance to catch up with Olav, the passionate cidermaker who has built Alde into one of the leading cider producers in Norway – and winning global awards.
Here we discussed the transformative impact of the PLAATO Pro technology on their operations. This encounter offered insights into how Alde Sider is using the PLAATO Pro for monitoring their fermentations but also for their recipe development, helping refine their processes and foster a blend of efficiency and innovation.
“By getting historical data of many, many batches using the Pros, then I’m building a library of my own fermentation profiles.”
How Olav got curious about PLAATO
After taking over the farm, Olav realized that he was making good cider every year, but that would not be enough to keep a competitive edge.
He was aware of the importance of process control in the fermentation stage, which involves understanding the permafrost that goes into the cider. He also learned that there are thousands of known types of apples and yeasts, and each combination of these can create a different cider but also make it very challenging to maintain consistency.
Olav wanted to learn from his mistakes and keep making good cider consistently.
“I found myself thinking a few years ago that this has to be able… we have to be able to optimize these processes.”
Key challenges identified for fermentation monitoring and temperature control:
Gathering enough data, including temperature and density, is a continuous challenge, requiring manual sampling and structured data collection.
The fermentation process requires close monitoring and planning.
Difficult to find the right fermentation profile for the right combination of yeast and apples, and then to ensure that each fermentation is trending correctly.
The PLAATO team working with Ade Sider to solve their issues.
Blending tradition with cutting-edge technology, a success story:
By leveraging PLAATO Pro’s advanced fermentation monitoring capabilities, Olav has modernized the cider-making process at Alde Sider, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.
This innovative approach has enabled the gathering of essential data with unparalleled ease, eliminating the need for manual measurements and significantly streamlining both the recipe development and innovation processes.
Through data-driven insights, Olav has not only ensured consistency and quality in their products but has also facilitated the exploration of new cider varieties, pushing the boundaries of taste and aroma and making him an award-winning cider maker.
The relentless hard work of Alde Sider has really paid off, winning top place in the 2025 world’s largest cider competition: GLINTCAP.
The result? Alde Sider is crafting the Future of Cider
PLAATO Pros not only support fermentation monitoring with precision and temperature control for Alde Sider recipes. but also extend Alde’s ability to do product development by creating batch and recipe profiles.
Moreover, the integration of PLAATO Pro into Alde Sider’s operations has had a profound effect on the cidery’s approach to quality control and consistency. The detailed analytics provided by the technology allows Olav and his team to replicate successful batches with much greater accuracy, thereby reducing the variability that often plagues craft cider production.
This level of control is critical in an industry where the difference between a good cider and a great one can be subtle nuances in flavor and aroma. As Alde Sider continues to refine its recipes and processes, the data collected will serve as a valuable resource, enabling the team to build on their successes and learn from each batch in a way that was previously impossible.
Now, by analyzing fermentation behaviors and outcomes, his team can make data-driven decisions, streamline the development process, and continue to bring unique ciders to market.
Olav’s integration of PLAATO Pro at Alde Sider exemplifies the transformative role of technology in cider making, merging precise fermentation control with the art of cider production. This synergy has not only addressed recipe development and fermentation challenges but also enhanced product development, enabling the creation of unique ciders through data-driven insights
As Alde Sider keeps growing the presence of Hardanger cider in Norway and internationally, the use of PLAATO Pro reaffirms the essential balance between tradition and innovation in shaping the future of Alde and other leading cider makers.
EXCITING UPDATE: Since the publication of this case study, Alde Sider has gone on to win best in class in the world’s biggest cider competition: The Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition [GLINTCAP]. Among 74 entries from around the world, Alde Sider’s cider made it all the way to the top in in the category ‘Modern Cider – Dry’. A huge congratulations to all the team, from PLAATO.
Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition [GLINTCAP] results.
Fun Fact: Alde Sider is located in the Hardanger region of Norway, and besides for being one of the most beautiful places in Norway, it is also known for being the biggest apple production region in Norway, a tradition brought here by monks in the 12th century.
