ACA Announces Continuation of Cider Is For Everyone Scholarship for CiderCon® 2025
The American Cider Association is pleased to share that their Cider Is For Everyone Scholarship program will continue for CiderCon® 2025. This scholarship is designed to support people from historically marginalized groups in North America in gaining access to professional development and networking opportunities in the cider industry. The goal is to increase the accessibility of cider education to jump-start the careers of these cider professionals. Many scholars have gone on to share their knowledge with the cider industry as well, as CiderCon® speakers and more.
The scholarship package includes:
- Registration to CiderCon® 2025 (including travel and lodging)
- Level 1 Certified Cider Guide training and certification exam
- Two Certified Pommelier sensory webinars
- The Certified Pommelier Study Guide
- Registration fee for the Certified Pommelier Exam
- And after passing the Certified Pommelier Exam, a travel stipend becomes available for cider judging opportunities
Applications are now being accepted and the deadline to apply is August 30. Those interested in applying can fill out the application form here. Potential recipients will be contacted to schedule a brief interview and winners of the scholarship will be notified in September. CiderCon® 2025 takes place February 4 – 7 in Chicago, Illinois.
This scholarship is part of a broader effort by the ACA to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the cider industry. In 2019 the ACA launched the Anti-racism, Equity and Inclusion committee which recognizes diversity, equity and inclusion as an important and necessary part of present and future successes of the cider industry. This committee structures its work around a belief that existing structures of power, privilege and discrimination must be actively questioned and evaluated in order to create equitable opportunities in an environment that embraces and values our differences. They strive to create events, opportunities and organizational policies that embody these values, and to continue evaluating these practices for sustained growth and improvement.
The ACA’s first scholarships developed out of a partnership with Beer Kulture in 2021, and the program has grown every year since.
“This scholarship is one of our best tools for fostering a more diverse cider industry,” says Michelle McGrath, CEO of the ACA. “The scholarship needs to work in lock step with our efforts to create a more inclusive industry so that, as we have more diverse CiderCon® attendees, they are surrounded by a welcoming community and equitable environment.”
Those interested in sponsoring or donating to the Cider Is For Everyone Scholarship Fund can learn more on the ACA website or connect with CEO Michelle McGrath at michelle@ciderassociation.org.
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August 18: Sensory Analysis Workshop at Minneapolis Cider Co.
Interested in learning how to taste cider like a pro?
The American Cider Association is pleased to announce that we will be teaming up with Minneapolis Cider Co. to host a cider sensory workshop! Join us on Sunday, August 18 at 3:00 PM Central for an in person workshop!
Over the course of 2 hours, an expert Certified Pommelier will lead you on a guided tasting through two ciders and a food pairing. This hands on workshop will teach you the professional tips and tricks for understanding the elements of local and national ciders as well as give you a basic understanding of food and cider pairing. Light snacks included.
Come sip, swirl, and savor delicious ciders! Perfect for cider lovers at any level.
Must be 21 or over to attend.
Are you an ACA member? Find the member discount code in the Resource Hub.
August 19: Certified Cider Guide Workshop & Certification at France 44
Earn your Level 1 Certified Cider Guide accreditation and enjoy a tasting experience at France 44 on August 19 at 1:00 PM Central!
The American Cider Association is excited to collaborate with France 44 to host an in person workshop for the Certified Cider Professional Program Level 1 Certified Cider Guide. Participants will have the opportunity to complete the online certification exam immediatly after the training or on their own at a later date.
Cost per person is $189 which includes the in person training, instructor led tasting experience, a downloadable study guide, and access to the online certification exam. ACA members can contact Education Operations Manager Jennie Dorsey for the discount code to receive $50 off their registration.
This is a great opportunity for the Minnesota cider community to gather in person to network and earn their first level of cider certification. Registration to this event will also include a 15% discount to France 44 retail store and a celebratory cider on their roof following the event.
We would love to see anyone who sells cider, works in a tasting room or retail shop, chefs, sommeliers, cicerones, buyers, cidermakers, and anyone who loves cider. All are welcome to begin their cider education journey by adding this cider certification to their accreditations.
Location:
France 44, 4351 France Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Schedule:
- 1:00 – 4:00 PM Certified Cider Guide Workshop
- 4:00 – 5:00 PM Introductory to Sensory Analysis Tasting Training
- 5:00 – 6:00 PM Take the Online Certification Exam
- 6:00 – 7:00 PM Celebratory toast on the rooftop, networking, and retail discounts
August 20: Certified Pommelier Exam at Minneapolis Cider Company
Take the Certified Pommelier Exam at Minneapolis Cider Company on August 20, 2024!
Ready to take the next step in your professional development in the cider industry? If you have already passed the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide exam and are looking for that next challenge? Now is your chance!
The American Cider Association is pleased to announce a Certified Pommelier Exam will be held at Minneapolis Cider Company, 701 SE 9th St., Minneapolis, MN 55414.
The exam will begin promptly at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
*Level 1 Certified Cider Guide certification is a prerequisite for taking the Certified Pommelier Exam. (Haven’t taken your Level 1 Certified Cider Guide Exam? Buy the bundle here! ACA Member discounts are available.)
There’s also a discount code available for ACA members for the Certified Pommelier Exam. You can find that code in our Resource Hub.
WHAT IS THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER EXAM?
The American Cider Association’s mission is to grow a diverse and successful cider industry by providing valuable information, resources and services to our members and by advocating on their behalf. One way to fulfill this mission is through the Certified Cider Professional Program, a program aimed at educating the front-line of cider hospitality (distributors, retailers, bartenders and more!) while also welcoming journalists and serious cider enthusiasts.
The exam for the introductory level certification, Certified Cider Guide (CCG), is an online test that can be taken at any time. The exam for the more advanced second level of certification, Certified Pommelier, is only available in person. The exam consists of two parts, a written theory exam comprising short answer and essay questions and a blind sensory evaluation of a number of ciders. Passing the introductory level exam is a mandatory prerequisite to sitting for the Level 2 Certified Pommelier exam.
Certified Pommeliers must have a fundamental understanding of all topics covered at the introductory level, but must also be able to think critically and demonstrate a deeper understanding of cider and the cider industry.
The topics covered in the exam are:
- Apples, the Orchard & History
- Cider Making
- Flavor & Evaluation
- Cider Families
- Keeping & Serving
- Food & Cider
- Social Responsibility
The exam is meant to be challenging. The only information necessary for successfully passing the theory section of the exam is contained in the Certified Pommelier Study Guide available on Amazon. To study for the evaluation section of the exam, candidates should consider attending one of the sensory analysis videos available through the ACA’s website or attend one of the regularly scheduled webinars. Access to pre-recorded webinars and registration for upcoming live webinars is available directly through our website.
WHY BECOME A CERTIFIED POMMELIER?
Cider is a beautifully nuanced beverage that is less well understood by most consumers. Having the knowledge and skills required to become a Certified Pommelier will equip you to better serve customers, enhance your standing in the beverage community, and give you a unique and valuable professional qualification. Being recognized as a Certified Pommelier will put you in the vanguard of advanced cider specialists in this ever growing category.
HOW MUCH DOES THE TEST COST?
The registration fee for the exam is $350. Current members of the ACA can register at a discounted price of $250 by using the discount code in our Resource Hub. If a candidate sits for the exam but does not pass either section, or only passes one of the two sections, theory or sensory evaluation, they can resit for the section of the exam that they did not pass at a future date. The fee for retaking the exam is $175 for non-members and $125 for current members of the ACA.
Read Terms & Conditions before registering.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE TO STUDY FOR THE EXAM?
- The Certified Pommelier Study Guide is available directly through Amazon. It is also available at all of Amazon’s international sites.This is the official study guide for the second level of the American Cider Association’s professional certification program. It contains all of the information needed to study for and pass the examination. No other reference materials are required.
- There is also a dedicated Facebook Group (that is open for all to join) with prep materials and in-depth peer conversations that many candidates have found useful.
- Sensory evaluation is an important part of being a Certified Pommelier which is why we test your ability to accurately analyze the structural components, aromas, and flavors of a variety of ciders. In order to aid in the development of your sensory evaluation skills and understand the approach to testing them, we have several pre-recorded videos available for purchase. In addition, we host several live sensory analysis webinars each year. You can access the videos and look for scheduled webinars here.
Frequently Asked Questions (Download the Frequently Asked Questions document.)
- Are there ID or minimum age requirements to sit for the event? YES. You must be of legal drinking age in the country where you sit for the exam, and when checking in at the exam you must provide a photo ID that will both verify your age and identity .
- Do I need to pass the Certified Cider Guide exam to take the Certified Pommelier exam? Yes. Passing the introductory exam to become a Certified Cider Guide is a prerequisite. If you have not yet taken this exam, you can purchase a package which includes an instructional video, study guide, and access to an online exam HERE.
- How many Certified Pommeliers are there currently? You can find the current number of Certified Pommelers here.
- Is the Certified Pommelier Exam available in my area? Certified Pommelier exams are held periodically throughout the year and in a variety of locations. Please check our current exam schedule to find an exam suitable for you.
- What can I bring into the event? You may bring only a water bottle into the exam space. Cell phones, smart watches, computers, books or papers, and any and all other personal items must be left at a designated storage area in the exam room. Pencils will be provided, and spare paper will be available on request. Spit cups, and water will be provided during the evaluation exam. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle for the theory exam. Please contact the Cider Education Operations Manager, Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org prior to registering for the exam if you wish to request special accommodations.
- How can I contact the organizer with any questions? Please contact Cider Education Operations Manager Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org.
- When can I register for the exam? Exam registration is open until 14 days before the posted exam date.
- What happens if I cannot attend my registered exam? Please see Exam Rescheduling, Timelines and Fees in the Terms and Conditions Document for full details. If you do need to cancel your registration, exam registration fees can be refunded up to 14 days before the exam. Please note that a $25 administration fee applies to any cancellation.
- Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends? Registrations are not transferable, so the name on the I.D. presented when checking in for the exam must match the name on the registration.
- How long does the test take? You are given 2 hours to complete the theory section of the exam and 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the sensory evaluation section. There is a 15 minute break in between sections.
- Is there a tasting section on the test? Yes. You will be asked to evaluate six ciders in two flights, one flight that assesses your ability to distinguish between key structural elements and a second where you are asked to complete a full evaluation of three ciders using the Structured Sensory Analysis format. The possible aromas and flavors document will be supplied for use during the exam.
- What is the grade needed for passing? 60% of the possible points for sensory evaluation and 70% for theory
- When will we receive our graded exams? Exams are not returned to candidates, however you will be notified as to whether or not you have passed about 6 weeks from the exam date. If you did not pass a section of the exam, you may request a breakdown of your points by general topic to help you identify areas in which you could improve your score should you wish to retake the exam.
August 22: Crafting Compelling Stories: The Role of Data in Your Brand’s Narrative
Join us August 22 at 11:00 AM Pacific for an insightful webinar hosted by the American Cider Association in partnership with 3-Tier Beverages, where we’ll explore how to transform raw data into compelling narratives that captivate your audience and elevate your cider brand.
In this session, you’ll learn:
- The Essentials of Data Storytelling: Discover the fundamentals of turning data into engaging stories that resonate with your customers and how you can differentiate your cider in a competitive market.
- Effective Data Analysis Techniques: Gain practical insights into analyzing and interpreting data from the ACA Member Dashboard to uncover meaningful trends and patterns that can inform your storytelling.
- Crafting Your Brand Narrative: Learn strategies for integrating data insights into your brand story to highlight your cider’s unique attributes and characteristics to connect with your target audience on a deeper level.
Whether you’re established or just starting out, this webinar will provide you with the tools and techniques needed to utilize the full potential of your data to tell the best story for You and Your Brand.
Speakers
Julia Lechleiter
Julia Lechleiter started out her career at 84.51 on their Insights team where she supported emerging CPG brands in leveraging Kroger household data to guide customer-focused assortment, promotion, innovation and digital strategies. After supporting clients on numerous new item presentations and being exposed to the power of BASES innovation research, she joined NIQ on the BASES BevAl team. While she learned to love the BevAl industry, she missed working in a data platform to support clients run various analyses, specifically those related to retailer relations which led her to 3 Tier. Julia graduated from Miami University with a degree in Marketing, and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. They have a 1-year old son, John, and two cocker spaniels, Bailey and Phil.
Devon Hevener
Devon Hevener started out his career working in the culinary industry as the general manager for 5 years where he used data to better understand trends in the area to help the business grow from a single food cart to several carts and a brick and mortar. Most recently, he has spent the last year working with the American Cider Association as a Consumer and Market Data Research Intern where he was able to learn the industry firsthand through the mentorship of industry experts and various ad-hoc projects which helped connect him to 3-Tier. One of his most significant projects was the creation of a formal database of all cider producers within the United States. Devon graduated from Portland State University with a degree in Business Technology & Analytics and currently lives in the Portland, Oregon area with his wife Hannah.
August 31: Certified Cider Guide Workshop & Certification in Yokohama, Japan
For the first time, the Certfied Cider Professional (CCP) Program is being taught in Japan!
The world’s finest cider education program will launch with a Level 1: Certified Cider Guide (CCG) classroom session and exam at Antenna America Kannai in Yokohama on Saturday 31 August. Leisurely run over the course of a day, this Level 1 CCG training has been developed specifically for those who work directly with consumers and trade customers, namely those working in retail and hospitality, importers, distributors, wholesalers and employees of cider producers. It is also the program for cider fans, aficionados and drinkers can showcase their extra weight of knowledge and passion. It is designed to enable participants to have a professional standard of knowledge and appreciation for different types of cider and how they are achieved, an approach to assessing cider and the different sensory qualities they have, and guidance on the best practice principles for serving, storing and selling.
Candidates will receive an email containing a downloadable study guide and a link to the online exam in advance of the workshop. The day itself will consist of a presentation of the materials from the study guide, with extra elaboration and, of course, the opportunity for questions. There will also be a guided sensory session of at least three ciders clearly demonstrating the key structural characteristics within cider, and utilizing a structured approach to their assessment.
The topics covered in Level 1 CCG are:
- Apples, Pears and Orchards
- Cider Production
- Families and Flavor
- Evaluating Cider
- Keeping and Serving
- Cider and Food
- Social Responsibility
Schedule
- 12:45 PM: Arrival & Check In
- 1:00 – 4:00 PM: Certified Cider Guide Presentation
- 4:00 – 5:00 PM: Tasting Experience
- 5:00 – 5:45 PM: Take the Online CCG Test (Bring your own laptop)
ACA Recruiting Vendors for CiderCon® 2025 Trade Show
CiderCon® 2025 returns to its beloved Chicago home base next February! We’re thrilled to invite high quality industry specific suppliers and service providers to join our 12th annual CiderCon® Trade Show. Our event attracts over 1000 industry professionals every year by offering a wide variety of educational sessions and activities for cider producers, alongside an extensive and upbeat trade show highly customized for the growing hard cider industry. CiderCon® 2025 will be hosted at the beautiful Chicago Hilton on Michigan Avenue from February 5-7, with the trade show serving as a central feature of the conference. A cider happy hour, fun games with prizes and other engaging events will be held within the trade show. Dedicated trade show time is built into the conference schedule between educational sessions ensuring plenty of time for attendees to engage with vendors and explore new opportunities.
If you haven’t been a vendor at CiderCon® before, now is the time to get involved and showcase your products and services to the rapidly growing cider industry. Our attendees always appreciate the chance to interact with vendors and discover new goods and services that will help their businesses grow.
Booth prices for CiderCon® 2025 are $3000 for a 10’ x 10’ space – and that includes 3 passes to the conference as well as lunch on Thursday and Friday!
Interested in joining us? Email our Trade Show Coordinator Ellen Husch for more information!
There are also numerous sponsorship opportunities available for vendors. Supporting the American Cider Association is a great way to support the sustainability of your customer base. The ACA loves our sponsors and we shout out our appreciation for our sponsors far and wide at CiderCon®, on our website, on social media and beyond and our members hear us. Our CEO Michelle McGrath is eager to work with you on creating a custom sponsorship experience that meets your brand’s personality.
CiderCon® 2024 saw record attendance, and traditionally our highest attendance takes place in odd-numbered years when we are in Chicago. Don’t miss out on what could be our largest CiderCon® to date!
New York’s Senator Schumer to Champion the Bubble Tax Modernization Act
The American Cider Association is pleased to share that U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer will be championing the Bubble Tax Modernization Act in the Senate. While standing at New York’s Samascott Orchards, a provider of apples to New York’s Nine Pin Cider, Senator Schumer emphasized his commitment to close the carbonation barrier that is continuing to hold back innovation in the cider industry.
“There is no reason that craft cidermakers like Albany’s Nine Pin should get hit with a whopping 1,400% tax increase if they want to make bubblier cider or cider that is mixed with other fruits which has soared in popularity. It hurts our craft cidermakers, hurts consumers, hurts our growers, and is slowing the growth of this booming industry in Upstate NY,” said Senator Schumer. “That is why I am proud to support the Bubble Tax Modernization Act to finally pop this convoluted carbonation tax hamstringing the craft cider industry.”
Senator Schumer has long been a supporter of the cider industry and was instrumental in the passage of the CIDER Act in 2016. The CIDER Act successfully lowered taxes and increased the allowable carbonation threshold on hard cider made from apples and pears. The Bubble Tax Modernization Act seeks to achieve a similar result for ciders fermented or flavored with fruits other than apples and pears.
In a state like New York where diversified farms are plentiful, putting a carbonation cap on fruit ciders limits opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and success with consumers for both growers and cidermakers. Products like Nine Pin’s blueberry cider, made with a blend of apples from Samascott Orchards and blueberries from Indian Ladder Farm, are a prime example of profit extension for farms through year-round value-added agriculture.
Additionally, extreme weather events can create gaps in apple harvest, making co-fermentation or blending with other desirable fruits necessary in certain harvest years. “Flexibility in fruit is important for growers,” says Michelle McGrath, CEO of the American Cider Association. “We’ve seen an uptick in co-ferments and fruit blends driven by consumer interest, but also driven by necessity. If your harvest was demolished by a freeze or a heat dome, why wouldn’t you consider blending with other fruit that had a better harvest? The bubble tax makes it harder to pivot when needed,” McGrath continued.
To put the current tax structure in content, 100 gallons of hard apple or pear cider costs $22 in federal taxes. However, if cidermakers make a co-fermented batch of cider with blackberries and carbonate it like other products, they will have to pay $340 in federal taxes. The Bubble Tax Modernization Act would allow fruit ciders to carbonate to the levels that hard apple and pear ciders are allowed. This change would allow cidermakers to give consumers the fruitier bubblier cider they want at a price they can afford.
The Bubble Tax Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which only applies to products under 8.5% alcohol by volume, would also open fruit mead and fruit wine up to more carbonation. Like cider, mead and winemakers with products under 8.5% ABV can carbonate at a higher threshold–until fruit is involved. In today’s beverage landscape, many producers are making cider, mead and wine. The lack of carbonation is a competitive disadvantage for these producers. The bill was introduced in January 2024 with bipartisan support on the house side through Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR) and Congressman Mike Kelly (PA).
“We’re thrilled about Senator Schumer’s enthusiastic support of the Bubble Bill. He’s a champion for New York’s agricultural community and he gets that the community includes cider,” McGrath said.
To learn more about the current bubble tax, download our Bubble Tax Fact Sheet.
July 8: The Sweet Spot: Choosing Equipment That’s Not Too Big, Not Too Small, but “Just Right”
ACA Member Exclusive Webinar, July 8 – 11:00 AM Pacific
Join us for an in-depth look into the science of selecting the perfect cider-making equipment in our upcoming Coffee Chat with Juicing Systems. In this session, we’ll look into the critical factors that can propel your cider-making operation to new growth. From understanding your current operational status and pinpointing bottlenecks to planning for future growth and comparing equipment options, we’ll cover it all. Learn how the right equipment can save time, reduce labor costs, and significantly boost your productivity and profitability.
Whether you’re an experienced cider maker or just starting out, you’ll gain valuable insights into making informed decisions that align with your goals. Explore side-by-side comparisons of different equipment setups, discover the financial benefits of financing, and get practical advice on choosing equipment that fits your needs and budget. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge to grow your cider business efficiently and effectively.
About Our Speaker
Meet Remo Trovato, the founder behind JuicingSystems.com. Originally from Switzerland, he found his home in Canada’s Okanagan Valley with his wife, Kristen. They started MobileJuicing.com to tackle food waste in orchards, but soon realized North America needed better juicing tech.
With Remo’s savvy and connections, he introduced European machinery to North America, innovating their operation. Now, Juicing.Systems not only sells but also services and maintains equipment, thanks to the team’s deep expertise.
When he’s not juicing, Remo’s shredding mountains on his snowboard or cherishing his family’s time. But what he loves most? The relationships with his clients. To Remo, the sale is not the end of the transaction, but the beginning of their relationship.
Can’t make it to the live webinar? This webinar will be recorded and made available to ACA members in our Resource Hub.
July 22: Certified Cider Guide Workshop & Certification in Bellingham, WA
Earn your cider certification and enjoy a tasting experience at Lost Giants Cider Company!
The American Cider Association is excited to collaborate with Lost Giants Cider Co. to host an in person workshop and tasting for the Certified Cider Professional Program, Level 1 Certified Cider Guide on July 22 at 1:00 PM Pacific. Participants will be able to take the certification test online immediatly after the training or take the test on their own at a later date. Registration to this event will also include a tour of Lost Giants!
Cost per person is $189 which includes the in person training, tasting experience, and test fee. ACA Members can find their exclusive discount code in the Resource Hub.
This is a great opportunity for the Northwest cider community to gather in person to attend the workshop and earn their certification.
Food and more cider will be available for purchase at the tasting room after the training.
We would love to see anyone who sells cider, works in a tasting room or retail shop, chefs, sommeliers, cicerones, buyers, cidermakers, and anyone interested in cider in any way. You are all invited to build your cider education and earn your Certified Cider Guide accreditation.
Location:
Lost Giants Cider Company, 1200 Meador Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98229
Schedule:
- 1:00 – 4:00 PM Certified Cider Guide Workshop
- 4:00 – 5:00 PM Introductory to Sensory Analysis Tasting Training
- 5:00 – 6:00 PM Take the Online Certification Exam
- 6:00 – 7:00 PM Optional Networking Hour