Introducing the ACA Advocacy Alliance

The American Cider Association is proud to announce the launch of the ACA Advocacy Alliance — a focused initiative designed to strengthen and expand cider’s voice in Washington, DC and beyond.

As our industry grows and evolves, so do the policy conversations that shape its future. From tax treatment and regulatory modernization to category definition and market access, cider must be represented clearly, consistently, and strategically. The ACA Advocacy Alliance was created to meet that moment.

A Shared Investment in Cider’s Future

The Alliance is made possible through the investment of a group of progressive producers who recognize that meaningful policy engagement requires sustained attention and dedicated resources.

This model allows advocacy efforts to scale responsibly while ensuring that the broader ACA membership benefits from stronger representation and increased momentum at both the federal and state levels. It is a shared investment approach, one that supports focused action while strengthening the entire category.

The initiative is managed by Jenn Root Martell, ACA Government Affairs Director, in close coordination with the ACA Government Affairs Committee. Together, they will guide strategy, outreach, and execution across priority issues affecting cider producers nationwide.

Early Momentum

Momentum is already building.

• The ACA will engage Washington, DC–based lobbying firm PACE, LLP to support federal strategy and congressional engagement.
• Outreach is underway with key champions to explore updating federal cider definition language through a revised “Bubble Bill,” creating a more cohesive and impactful legislative package that better reflects today’s cider market and brings fruited cider parity on many levels.
• We are developing a member poll to collect TTB labeling issues to present before the agency later this Spring.

This effort represents a significant opportunity to modernize policy in ways that support producers of all sizes while positioning cider for long-term growth.

Committed Alliance Supporters

We are grateful to the producers who have already stepped forward to support this initiative:

• Angry Orchard/Boston Beer Company
• 2 Towns Ciderhouse
• Schilling Cider
• Blake’s Hard Cider
• Ciderboys
• Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards/1911 Established
• Vermont Cider Company
• Portland Cider Company

Their leadership reflects a belief that proactive advocacy is essential to protecting and expanding opportunity for the entire cider category.

Join the Effort

The ACA Advocacy Alliance is designed to grow. As more producers participate, our collective voice becomes stronger, more credible, and more effective. If you are interested in supporting this effort or would like to learn more about how to get involved, please contact Jenn Root Martell at jenn@ciderassociation.org.

The future of cider will be shaped by those who show up. We’re excited to build it together.