The American Cider Association Announces Departure of CEO Michelle McGrath

by | Oct 31, 2024

Portland, ORโ€“Longtime American Cider Association CEO Michelle McGrath will depart her role at the end of 2024. This change comes after more than 8 years of successful leadership overseeing significant advancements in the ACAโ€™s mission for the benefit of the US cider community. McGrath was hired in 2016 as the first CEO of the ACA, then called the United States Association of Cider Makers. Since her hiring, she led a transformation of the ACA into the internationally-respected nonprofit trade organization that it is today.

โ€œMichelle has been instrumental at the helm of ACA for both our organization as well as for the cider industry. We will miss her creative, strategic, and compassionate leadership, but we are excited to see where her next endeavors take her. The board is grateful for Michelleโ€™s 8 ยฝ years of service during which she reached many meaningful milestones for the ACA,โ€ says current ACA Board President, Christine Walter of Baumanโ€™s Cider. 

As CEO, McGrath expanded and diversified membership, events, and programs, enhanced the associationโ€™s capabilities, reach, credibility and network, and effectively advocated for policy change supporting cider with Congress, the TTB, and state governments.

 โ€œIโ€™m really proud of what the board, staff, volunteers, partners, and members have accomplished together over the last 8+ years. Itโ€™s been a true honor to work with such inspiring people, and although I am ready to move to the next phase of my career, I will cherish my time and the relationships Iโ€™ve built at the ACA forever,โ€ says McGrath. โ€œItโ€™s hard to express how much the people in this industry mean to me, and Iโ€™m incredibly grateful for the friendships and memories made. I was a cider fan before I took the reins at the ACA, and Iโ€™ll be a cider fan for life!โ€

 A few of McGrathโ€™s many accomplishments:

  • Increased the ACAโ€™s membership by more than 60% to nearly 800 members 
  • Achieved a substantial 100% increase in annual revenue by diversifying funding sources 
  • Expanded the ACAโ€™s team to several highly capable and passionate team members
  • Organized and led 8 CiderConยฎ events, the largest cider-industry event worldwide
  • Oversaw the development, growth and global expansion of the ACAโ€™s Certified Cider Professional program, the only globally available education program for beverage and culinary industry professionals
  • Championed programs and policies to support the growth of a diverse interest in cider, including the ACAโ€™s Cider is for Everyone Scholarship
  • Created a market insights program that shares market data and reports with members and the beverage industry at large
  • Fostered strong relationships with key national beverage media outlets and cultivated meaningful press highlighting the growth of cider and the humans behind it
  • Supported national collaborative efforts to expand small-producer tax credits
  • Fought for the right to list harvest years on TTB-approved labels for cider over 7% ABV
  • Led efforts in securing TTB approval for 12 oz (approved in 2020), 16 oz, and 19.2 oz packaging sizes for wine, mead, and cider over 7% ABV (TTB comments recently closed)
  • Collaborated with congressional champions and allied segments to introduce the Bubble Tax Modernization Act (HR 7029) to increase allowable carbonation thresholds for fruit cider, fruit wine and fruit mead under 8.5% ABV

McGrath shared that her championing of farmers will continue in her next role. She plans to stay engaged with the cider industry, and she will be at CiderConยฎ 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. 

โ€œIโ€™m excited to see everyone, and to experience the cider from the featured guest country this yearโ€“Chile! Letโ€™s share some cider together, friends!โ€ McGrath says.

The ACA Board of Directors is accepting applications for its next dynamic and visionary CEO until November 24. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Those interested in applying can learn more here.

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Now is the perfect time to cozy up with @TwoKFarms signature mulled cider recipe!

Ingredients:

๐Ÿป 6-Pack Two K Farms Harrison Cider
๐ŸคŽ 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
๐Ÿงน 3 Cinnamon Sticks
๐ŸŒณ 4 Whole Cloves

Optional: Sprinkle of Nutmeg / Cardamom / All Spice

Directions:

Warm everything together, keeping it covered, and never heating it to more than a low simmer. Letting the cider mull for a few hours will result in a more intense spice flavor and aroma. When ready to serve, garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Do you have any special tips for making your cider extra cozy? Share them with us! Have you tried this recipe or something similar? We'd love to hear your thoughts and see your photos! ๐ŸŽโœจ

#SpicedCider #MulledCider #TwoKFarms
The American Cider Association (ACA) announced today the appointment of Monica Cohen as its new Chief Executive Officer. Cohen, a seasoned executive with leadership roles within the food and beverage industry, succeeds Michelle McGrath, who will be stepping down after a highly successful tenure with the organization. 


Welcome to the cider industry @monicainc_ !

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Finnriver Farm & Cidery has just unveiled their most ambitious creation yet: a 10-year aged Pommeau, crafted to celebrate their 15th anniversary. This rare spirit, made with heirloom apples and a decade of aging, is one of the oldest Pommeau releases in the U.S., boasting unmatched depth and elegance.

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Photo credit: Sarah Wright Photography
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๐Ÿฅณ The holidays might be over, but the cozy vibes don't have to be! Embrace the chilly winter days with a sweet and spicy treat from @PortlandCider ๐Ÿฉ

These delicious hard cider donuts are surprisingly easy to whip up and will keep the cheer alive all season long!

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Photo Credit: Michael Maher
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Now is the perfect time to cozy up with @TwoKFarms signature mulled cider recipe!

Ingredients:

๐Ÿป 6-Pack Two K Farms Harrison Cider
๐ŸคŽ 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
๐Ÿงน 3 Cinnamon Sticks
๐ŸŒณ 4 Whole Cloves

Optional: Sprinkle of Nutmeg / Cardamom / All Spice

Directions:

Warm everything together, keeping it covered, and never heating it to more than a low simmer. Letting the cider mull for a few hours will result in a more intense spice flavor and aroma. When ready to serve, garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Do you have any special tips for making your cider extra cozy? Share them with us! Have you tried this recipe or something similar? We'd love to hear your thoughts and see your photos! ๐ŸŽโœจ

#SpicedCider #MulledCider #TwoKFarms
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