The American Cider Association (ACA) proudly announces the induction of twelve new Certified Pommeliers™ following examinations held at CiderCon® 2026 in Providence, RI, marking a continued expansion of global expertise in cider.
The newly minted Certified Pommeliers™ are:
Rhyan Cockrell Co-owner of Cockrell Cider Farm
Sean Connolly Cellar Assistant at Bauman’s Cider Company
Cider Enthusiast Codie Jennison
Jill Nathanson, Rachael Picard, and Jane Ignarri in Product Development at Boston Beer Peter Mitsch Cidermaker at White Crow Cider Company
Jamie Webb Brand Designer at Switchcraft Studio
Manon Gros Project Specialist at Brooklyn Cider House
Josue Herrada Cook at Edge Restaurant
Tasmine (Tas) Fraser Canadian Content Creator @girlwithaciderreview
Viktor Nikitin Executive Supervisor at I Love Cider (Russia).
Representing an advanced level of achievement within the ACA’s educational pathway, the Certified Pommelier™ designation recognizes elevated expertise in cider, including production, sensory evaluation, hospitality applications, and global cider knowledge.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome these new Certified Pommeliers™ into a global community shaping the future of cider,” says Jennie Dorsey, ACA Director of Education and Program Development. With 169 Certified Pommeliers™ across more than 15 countries, this milestone reflects not only individual achievement but the growing international momentum behind cider. This work is about more than knowledge; it is about advancing cider through storytelling, hospitality, and innovation.”
The ACA originally launched its Certified Cider Professional™ (CCP) program to equip industry leaders with the expertise to navigate cider’s rich diversity with confidence. As cider’s popularity continues to grow globally, the program attracts food and beverage professionals seeking to
distinguish themselves through exceptional skill, deep knowledge, and a commitment to hospitality.
More About the Certified Cider Professional™ Program
The Certified Cider Professional™ program is designed to educate those on the front lines of cider sales, making it one of the most comprehensive cider appreciation programs for food and beverage professionals worldwide.
The program begins with the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ (CCG) designation, which builds a strong foundation in cider knowledge. The Level 2 Certified Pommelier™ (CP) designation advances that learning, requiring candidates to think critically and demonstrate a deeper understanding of cider production, styles, and sensory analysis.
To ensure accessibility, the ACA developed a comprehensive textbook, first released in 2023 and updated in 2024 to reflect a more global perspective and emerging categories such as low and no-alcohol cider. Additional resources include the Certified Cider Professional™ YouTube Channel, a global community of Licensed Educators, robust educational programming for any level of engagement, and an active international community.
Those interested in pursuing the Certified Pommelier™ designation can find upcoming exam opportunities, study resources, and program details here: Certified Cider Professional™ Program
Contact the ACA’s Director of Education, Jennie Dorsey, for more information about global cider education and access to Certified Cider Professional™ programming near you.
