More and more people are talking about craft cider than ever before, especially in the news. As the industry continues to make headlines, Cidercraft is keeping a close watch on business news and the emerging trends.
This summer, North American cider is in the press for its growth and innovative business development. Not to mention, now the state with the most cideries can legally ship cider direct to consumers. Dig in to this season’s cider news with us!
New York Now Ships Cider Direct To Consumer
In August, headlines exploded across the nation with the big news that New York Governor Kathy Hochul had signed the Direct-to-Consumer Shipment Bill for Cider and Spirits into law (a capability made available to New York state cidermakers during the pandemic, and then rescinded). ABC News 10 in Albany quoted Nine Pin Cider Works on the consumer choice benefits that will result from this new law. Among many others, Morning Ag Clips covered this news, citing data from the New York Cider Association. “With over 125 licensed producers making over 5 million gallons of cider every year, New York continues to lead the country in the number of active cideries and is second for apple growers in the country.”
Take the Certified Pommelier ™ Exam at CiderCon® 2025
CiderCon 2025 is going in the Windy City in February, and The American Cider Association (ACA) just announced that the Certified Pommelier Exam will be held onsite. The ACA’s Certified Cider Professional Program aims to educate the front-line of cider hospitality (distributors, retailers, bartenders) while also welcoming journalists and serious cider enthusiasts. The introductory level certification, Certified Cider Guide (CCG), consists of an online test that can be taken any time. This exam for the more advanced second level of certification, Certified Pommelier, is only available in person.
Crowdfunded Cider (And Now Wine)
In Southwest Colorado, Eso Terra Ciderworks is adding wine to its repertoire and asking its community to help fund ‘The Arboretum,’ Durango’s first estate winery with more than 33 varieties of grapes and more than 250 heritage varieties of apples on 70 acres. Read more on The Durango Herald and invest at IndieGogo.
North American Cider Market Soaring
Future Market Insights predicted in a recent blog post the global cider and perry market to grow to $124.7 billion by 2033, from last year’s reported $92.4 billion. Zooming in, “North America holds a substantial share of 34.7% in the global cider and perry market.” The blog suggests the following drivers contributing to the region’s dominance: presence of leading cider producers and high regional demand, increasing disposable incomes, technological advancements, and significant R&D initiatives.
Montana On The Map
Further narrowing of the regional cider scope points to The Treasure State as one to watch for craft cider growth. According to an August Montana Right Now article that spotlights the Northwest Cider Association, “Montana is currently the fastest growing market for cider consumption in the Northwest as cider sales over the past year have increased by 20%.” If you’re road tripping in Montana between now and September 2024, look for the nine Department of Agriculture-funded billboards made to showcase the local cider scene.
