ACA Welcomes New Certified Pommeliers Following London Exam

The American Cider Association is pleased to welcome two new European Certified Pommeliers after completion of the second certification exam offered outside of the United States. The new Certified Pommeliers are key members of the European cider community, and their embrace of the Certified Cider Professional Program is another step forward in the realization of the ACA’s vision for the industry through increasing the understanding and appreciation of cider and perry. The exam was held in London, England on November 22, 2024.

The new Certified Pommeliers are Haritz Rodriguez (aka Ciderzale), an independent Basque journalist and marketing consultant in the agri-food field with a special focus on cider, and Niklass Barkans, Latvia’s first formally educated wine and cidermaker who makes cider and fruit wines at Latvia’s largest winery – ABAVAS. Full bios available here.

“We are so proud to welcome two new international Certified Pommeliers to our vibrant community dedicated to elevating the appreciation and understanding of cider,” says ACA Education Operations Director Jennie Dorsey. “Each new member brings with them the stories of orchards, the traditions from their regions, the craftsmanship of cidermakers, and the passion of enthusiasts that makes our community thrive. We are very excited to see what the future holds and the new heights that our community can reach together.”

Education and certification programs such as those run by Cicerone, the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, and the Court of Master Sommeliers, have done much to increase the understanding of the beverages they cover and enhance the professional standing of the individuals that complete them. With its CCP program, the ACA is poised to do the same for cider, raising the drink’s profile within the larger hospitality community as cider’s share of the global beverage market continues its steady growth. Continuing education is an important part of staying relevant in a rapidly changing hospitality environment.

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For more information about the CCP program contact Education Operations Director Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org or visit the ACA website at www.ciderassociation.org. For information about CCP classes in Europe, contact European CCP representative Gabe Cook at gabe@ciderassociation.org.