Gjermund Åkre

Over the last years, Cider from Hardanger has become trendy. And Gjermund Åkre and his wife Arita are one of those who contributed to the rising popularity of this specific cider region along the Norwegian fjords. Under their brand name EDEL, Arita and Gjermund produce apple juice, liquor, and Hardanger Cider. Gjermund has a masters in industrial logistics and a background in the oil industry but chose to return to the family farm in Nå where he grew up. They run two fruit farms – one at Måge and one at Åkre. Fruit forms the basis and foundation of the production of juice, cider, and fruit distillates, and there is a high focus on producing unique and intense flavours from the fruit. They work with traditional Hardanger fruits, as well as lesser-known varieties and fruits that will help promote breadth in the production of cider and fruit distillates. There is a strong focus on sustainability and utilizing resources; the production of fruit distillates is the result of a desire to use cherries and plums that would otherwise be thrown away. These raw materials are now transformed into distillates.