TTB Reopening Comment Period on Proposed Standards of Fill

The TTB has opened a comment period on proposed additions to the standards of fill (Notice 210A) — including additions to the approved packaging sizes for wine, cider and mead over 6.9% ABV. The comment period will close on Oct 9, 2024 and the ACA is encouraging cideries and cider enthusiasts to submit comments in support of 16 oz (475 mL) and 19.2 oz (570 mL) packaging volumes for cider, mead and wine over 6.9% ABV. Comments can be submitted through the TTB’s website: SUBMIT COMMENTS HERE.

The ACA supports these additional standards of fill for cider because: 

• Not having these common beverage alcohol packaging sizes cuts cider out of innovation opportunities driven by consumer demand.
• Lack of these packaging volumes puts cider at a disadvantage compared to beer and beyond-beer products taxed like beer, such as flavored-malt-beverages, who have access to these packaging volumes. 
• Cider is an agricultural product made from apples. Apples will ferment to a higher ABV naturally depending on the weather that harvest season. Warmer temperatures equate to higher sugar levels resulting in higher alcohol levels. Making packaging decisions after fermentation is not a viable business model.

The American Cider Association is a staunch advocate for fair access to additional packaging sizes for cider, mead and wine over 6.9% ABV. In 2020, the TTB approved 355 ml (12 oz), 255 ml, and 200 ml packaging sizes in part as a response to ACA and ACA member petitions. In 2022, we petitioned for 16 oz (475 mL) and 19.2 oz cans (570 mL) for cider, mead and wine over 6.9% ABV and we have been advocating for their addition to permitted standards of fill ever since. In response to our inquiries, the TTB included 16 oz (475 mL) and 19.2 oz (570 mL) packaging volumes in their proposed rule. The summary of our comments can be found in Notice 210A. 

Please join us in supporting the addition of 16 oz (475 mL) and 19.2 oz (570 mL) packaging volumes for cider, mead and wine. Be sure to submit your comments before October 9.