Is it cider if there’s no alcohol ? Or is it a false trade description?

By HK Lawyer AJ Halkes Barrister-at-Law

AJ Halkes
September 2, 2025
6:43 pm

Words have common meanings: beer, wine (and cider) are defined and commonly known.

And for centuries, we have understood what beer or cider or wine is.

Now, if you look up cider, it is “an alcoholic drink made from fermented apple juice”

But apparently, to those who don’t use the English language (in North America?), it is “an unfermented drink made by crushing fruit, typically apples.”

So, in trade, what words are objectively deceptive depends on where you are. Common language in relation to products and their descriptions is being mangled in front of our eyes for business efficacy, and no one seems to care.

I’m not sure slapping a big 0% flag on a can of fizzy apple juice should entitle the maker to print “cider” on the can, no matter how close to it the content is.

When there’s no alcohol in it .. in my book it’s no longer beer, it’s not wine and it’s not cider … though Somersbys seem to disagree!

If you need specific input regarding a strategic Hong Kong challenge or related legal matters in the HKSAR, you can always DM me and check out my profile at https://www.ajhalkes.com

FoodAndBeverage BrandStrategy TradeDescriptions HKBusiness ProductLabeling ConsumerTrust BusinessEthics LegalMatters HongKongFNB MarketingStrategy

Is it cider if there’s no alcohol ? Or is it a false trade description?

By HK Lawyer AJ Halkes Barrister-at-Law

Why BIG BIG RICE reflects what the market wants, and Pret a Manger is delivering.

Asian Club Managers Conference Hong Kong 2025

As an established bar operator seeks a new site In Hong Kong an “easy in” Lan Kwai Fong bar opening emerges

Hong Kong is full of car treasures!

Is it cider if there’s no alcohol ? Or is it a false trade description?

Who says all F&B is struggling in Hong Kong?

My mother’s kitchen timer shows time slipping away, you’re overcooked if you ignore it!

Navigating less visible, deeply ingrained cultural norms, like those in Japan -good luck.

Can You Beat a Prosecution for Damaging a Hong Kong Car Park?

Thailand does it, Japan does it, out of respect and care; can we “fast track” over 70s at our airport and border crossings?

Why Doesn’t Hong Kong Have numerous Proper Residential Marina Communities?

Should Hong Kong Create Its Own Mega Diagonal Crossing like Shibuya?

HERE THAI MARKET opening on Wellington Street shows no shortage of people to take up spaces provided the deal is right

Pub with no beer? Depressed by Gen Z coffee discos and non-drinking?

JD.com Moves Into Full-Time Delivery Riders in Hong Kong. Perfect timing to Trial E-Bikes?

Japan Makes Food Trucks Work! Hong Kong can do it too very easily – here’s how!