Chile Featured To Join CiderCon® 2025 As Guest of Honor

The American Cider Association is honored to announce that they will welcome Chile as the guest cidermaking country of honor for CiderCon® 2025 in Chicago next February. Chile has a long and storied history of cidermaking as an important part of the country’s local culture and economy. Each year, millions of gallons of cider produced from the forests of heirloom cider apples growing in Chile. Most of this cider is sold under the name “chicha” but there is a growing movement of new cidermakers and established companies that are seeking to bring cider to the forefront of the Chilean beverage industry. The Chilean delegation will feature cidermakers, orchardists, educators, researchers, and government officials who are working to bring cider to local, national and international markets.

The delegation attending CiderCon® 2025 are members of the Chilean Cider Collective (COSICHI). Featured speakers include Harriet Nahrwold, co-founder of Sidrería Quebrada de Chucao; Carlos Flores, orchardist and and co-founder of Punta de Fierro Fine Cider; Rene Galindo Quidel, founder and cidermaker of Sidrería TenCai; Gicella Thamar Saldivia González, family farmer and orchardist who is also president of the Chilwe Cooperative, an organic farming and cidermaking cooperative from the island of Chiloé; Carlos Martinez Cárdenas, partner at Agrícola Tralcao, producers of the Lemon Apple and Della Cha ciders, and Agronomic Advisor at Austral University; José Antonio Alcalde, orchardist and professor at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and co-author of the first Chilean Cider Guide (Guía de la Sidra en Chile), 2022; Fabian Lara Mercado, Policy Coordinator for INDAP, the most important financial arm of the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture, responsible for helping small-holder farmers and orchardists and a BJCP certified cider judge; and Eli Shanks, co-founder of Punta de Fierro Fine Cider.

“The Chilean Cider Collective and its members represent a wide diversity of Chilean cidermaking across 750 miles of territory. We are all very excited and humbled to be invited to participate in CiderCon® and share about the past, present and future of cider in Chile,” says Eli Shanks.

The rich history of cidermaking in Chile, influenced by immigrants from Spain, Germany, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands, as well as the native Mapuche people, has led to unique cidermaking techniques and orcharding practices that will be of interest to CiderCon® 2025 attendees. 

The Chilean delegation will be joining sessions in CiderCon®’s Explore History, Flavor & Terroir track, Grow Amazing Apples track, and others. The theme for CiderCon® this year is “Cider’s Balanced Future: Planet, People, Profit.” This theme is well represented by the Chilean cidermakers who integrate the triple bottom line approach to sustainability in their cidermaking principles.

CiderCon® registration will open on September 17, 2024 for ACA members. 

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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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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!

ACA Seeks Guest Country for CiderCon® 2025

CiderCon® is one of the most robust, diverse, thorough and connected professional cider conferences in the world. We pride ourselves on being a host to international attendees year after year.  The 15th annual CiderCon® will take place in Chicago, Illinois from February 4-7, 2025. We expect well over 1,000 people to attend. We are requesting proposals from other countries to send a diverse representation of their regional cidermaking community to be featured guests of honor at CiderCon® 2025. Previously featured countries are Spain, France, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Sweden and Norway. Guests from these countries continue to attend future CiderCons because of the quality programming and because CiderCon® is an exchange of ideas, understanding and knowledge that enriches the global cider community. 

Costs: The American Cider Association will waive CiderCon® registration fees, provide up to 5 nights hotel for up to 4 cidermakers, and pay for and help coordinate cider imports for educational sessions. Guest countries are asked to further fund cidermaker expenses (airfare, taxi, per diem). Cidermakers may also fundraise through sponsorships, and we are happy to brainstorm strategies. ACA will also provide professional photos of cidermakers participating in CiderCon®, suitable for PR uses by their home country. 

Proposals will be considered on the following priorities: (A) evidence of guest country financial commitment (B) compelling cider story (C) depth of cidermaking knowledge for proposed speakers (D) diversity of proposed speakers, in cider style, cider opinions, and demographics. We are also prioritizing countries that have not been featured before. 

Countries in close proximity to each other may want to team up if there are less cideries available in their own country. We welcome creative proposals. 

Proposals are due June 1, 2024 at 5 PM Pacific Time. Please contact Michelle@ciderassociation.org if you have any questions.

CiderCon® 2025 Request for Speaking Proposals

Mark your calendars for an unparalleled gathering of minds and talents at CiderCon® 2025, set to transform the vibrant city of Chicago from February 5-7, 2025. As the world’s leading event dedicated to advancing the craft of cidermaking, CiderCon® offers an exceptional platform for networking, learning, and sharing the rich traditions and innovative techniques that define our industry.

This year, we’re casting a wide net to bring together the most knowledgeable, passionate, and visionary individuals among us. We’re looking for presentations that will enlighten and inspire, covering a wide array of topics from best practices and emerging trends to groundbreaking research and process improvements.

To make a successful proposal, please specify:

  • Target audience: Role in industry as well as business model
  • Skill Level: Is material appropriate for beginner, intermediate, advanced, or expert level audience members
  • Key Takeaways: What skill, tool or new understanding will attendees walk away with?

The topics we’re particularly excited about this year include:

  • Compliance
  • Branding
  • Marketing
  • Distributor Relationships
  • Sales Strategies
  • Market Trends
  • Human Resources
  • Finance
  • Safety
  • Leadership
  • Equity & Inclusion.

If you have insights or experiences in these areas, we want to hear from you!

At the heart of CiderCon® is our unwavering commitment to inclusivity. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and strengthens our community. That’s why we encourage proposals from individuals of all backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and those with disabilities. Furthermore, we’re eager to hear from voices in related fields outside of cider to enrich our discussions and broaden our horizons.

Please submit your proposals to the CiderCon® committee by June 1, 2024 by filling out the Google Form. If selected, you’ll receive a complimentary pass to CiderCon® 2025, including lunches and access to all the fantastic non-ticketed events we have planned.

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the cider industry. Together, we can make CiderCon® 2025 a milestone event that celebrates our craft, fosters innovation, and builds a more inclusive and vibrant community. We can’t wait to see you in Chicago!

“Cider Excellence Award” Winners Announced at CiderCon® 2024 in Portland, Oregon

The American Cider Association (ACA) announced the recipients of their annual Cider Excellence Awards at CiderCon® 2024 in Portland, honoring individuals, businesses, and organizations from around the country for their achievements in, and contributions to, the U.S. hard cider industry. 

Award winners this year included:

  1. Award for Significant Impact on the Industry | Emily Ritchie, Executive Director, NW Cider Association
  2. Award for Significant Impact on the Industry | Brighid O’Keane, Executive Director, Cider Institute of North America
  3. Apple Advocate Award | Representative Earl Blumenauer, Oregon
  4. Apple Advocate Award | Jake Mann, Five Mile Orchard, California
  5. Member of the Year | Ploughman Cider, Pennsylvania 
  6. Member of the Year | Seattle Cider, Washington 

The highest honors given each year are the awards for “Significant Impact on the Cider Industry,” which this year went to Emily Ritchie of Northwest Cider Association for her admirable work promoting the cider industry for the Northwest region (OR, WA, ID, MT & British Columbia), and Brighid O’Keane of Cider Institute of North America for her global efforts to provide rigorous education on quality cider production.

In addition, US Representative Earl Blumenauer of Oregon was awarded the “Apple Advocate Award” for his enduring commitment to level the playing field for cideries through legislation, as well as orchardist Jake Mann for his ongoing partnership with the cider community through his historic family ranch in California, Five Mile Orchard. “Member of the Year” awards were given to both Seattle Cider of Washington and Ploughman Cider of Pennsylvania for their ongoing efforts to give back to their communities and the cider industry. 

“This is one of my favorite moments at CiderCon® each year, when we gather together as a community to celebrate people committed to moving the dial for cider,” says Michelle McGrath, CEO of the ACA. “It’s truly humbling to see how much passion and hard work goes into supporting and growing this industry.”

Now in its 9th year, the Cider Excellence Awards were held on January 18th, 2024 at CiderCon®, the ACA’s annual conference, which took place this year in Portland, Oregon from January 17 – January 19, 2024.

2024 Cider Excellence Awards from the American Cider Association 

Emily Ritchie, NWCA

Significant Impact on the Industry | Emily Ritchie is the Executive Director of the Northwest Cider Association, a trade nonprofit that brings cideries and cider lovers together to learn, experience, and enjoy the Northwest cider culture. Representing 100 commercial cidermakers from throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia, the group is dedicated to supporting, promoting, and growing its thriving industry. Emily’s vision of a vibrant, collaborative industry where anyone can share in the success and joy of cider, is brought to life through her strategic thinking and hard work. Her efforts have successfully helped put the Pacific Northwest at the heart of the craft cider movement. 


Brighid O’Keane, CINA

Significant Impact on the Industry | Brighid O’Keane is the Executive Director of the Cider Institute of North America (CINA). CINA is a nonprofit organization of cider industry professionals and educators with a mission to create a quality-driven and sustainable cider industry through education and research. Brighid’s dedicated work to develop curriculum and procure funding for research has helped grow the cider industry by empowering cidermakers through expertise and experience around the globe. Her extensive efforts have helped usher improved quality through CINA education for new and experienced cidermakers alike, thus helping to elevate the reputation of the US hard cider.


Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR)

Apple Advocate | Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR) is a US Congressman (OR-D) who has advocated for the US Hard Cider Industry for more than a decade by introducing impactful legislation. In 2015, he introduced the Cider Act, which supported American cideries by lessening an unfair tax burden, removing unnecessary red tape, and allowing cider to be more competitive internationally. And this year, he has introduced the Bubble Tax Modernization Act, to amend a minor carbonation tax disparity that has historically had major negative impacts to cidermakers. Earl Blumenauer has championed small businesses and spoken at length about the immense positive impact craft industries have on the economy. (Find out more about the Bubble Bill here: https://ciderassociation.org/reps-blumenauer-kelly-introduce-bubble-bill/)


Jake Mann of Five Mile Orchard

Apple Advocate | Jake Mann (CA) is rooted in farming. His family has been growing apples in the fertile Pajaro Valley two hours south of San Francisco near Watsonville since the mid-19th century. This unique place has long specialized in growing Newtown Pippins. Jake also actively pursued relationships with cidermakers so that more and more Newtown Pippin single variety ciders made by cideries throughout Northern California proudly announce the Five Mile Orchard as the source of their fruit. An active participant in CiderCon® for many years, Jake is always ready with a smile and an infectious eagerness to continue his family’s legacy by growing amazing apples for cidermaking. 


Photo by Brandon Buza

Member of the Year | Ploughman Cider (PA) is a Pennsylvania-based cidery with a long history of supporting their community and helping lift up the cider industry in their state. As active leaders in their state’s cider guild, Ploughman Cider has had a tremendous impact on shaping the local industry. They have also served as an incubator for fledgling cidermakers with their creative collaborations. They are actively committed to the ACA’s mission and mission-related programming, and the ACA is proud to recognize Ploughman Cider for their contributions to both Pennsylvania and the cidery industry at large.


Photo by Brandon Buza

Member of the Year | Seattle Cider (WA) is a Washington-based cidery that has repeatedly stepped up as a leader in the cider world. Their commitment to giving back to their community through thoughtful collaborations, like their partnership with the nonprofit City Fruit, has lifted the bar for what’s expected. They proactively work to create a welcoming environment for all through their taproom programming and several of their team members serve on committees and boards for both the American Cider Association and the Northwest Cider Association. Seattle Cider is being recognized as Member of the Year for their immense contributions to their local community and the cider industry. 


About the American Cider Association

The American Cider Association is an organization of cider and perry producers in the United States.  It gathers and shares information about cider production, regulations, and apple growing to help members improve their operations, raise awareness, and advance cider in the market. The organization was founded in February 2013. Learn more at ciderassociation.org.

Meet Your 2024 ACA Board of Directors

Last Friday, the American Cider Association (ACA) announced the results of their annual Board of Directors Election at their 2024 industry trade conference, CiderCon®, held this year in Portland, Oregon. There were two At-Large positions up for grabs, with 7 candidates in the running.

Josie Mielke of Urban Orchards Cidery in Asheville, North Carolina and Shannon Edgar of Stormalong Cider in Sherborn, Massachusetts were elected as Directors At-Large. Both new board members bring a shared passion for the land and communities that they are a part of. Their unique perspective of establishing and growing their cider businesses within the last 10 years will meaningfully contribute to the perspective of the ACA Board of Directors and how the ACA can support the cider industry. 

New ACA Board Members

Josie Mielke is the Operations Director and founder of Urban Orchard Cider Company in Asheville, North Carolina. She was trained in the art of cider making in the United Kingdom at the Cider and Perry Academy in 2012 and opened Urban Orchard in the fall of 2013. Through Urban Orchard, Josie has championed North Carolina agriculture, by committing to purchase apples from North Carolina. Her cidery has only purchased juice from Hendersonville, North Carolina in the 11 seasons they have produced cider. Josie strongly believes in promoting the local economy, supporting local farmers, and knowing where your food comes from.

Shannon Edgar founded Stormalong Cider in 2014 in the pursuit of making ciders that showcase the unique flavors fermented from cider-friendly apples. Taking inspiration from the hard cider history in his adopted home of Sherborn, MA, the historical nature of some of these apple varieties and their connection to New England history has always been an interest to him. Over the last 9 years, Stormalong has grown into a passionate team of “Cider Geeks” evangelizing cider with a deep appreciation for apples and their craft.

2024 Officers Announced

The ACA Board Officers were also chosen by the incoming board of directors last week. The ACA is excited to announce:

-Christine Walter of Bauman’s Cider in Oregon as Board President

-Sarah Hemly of Hemly Cider in California as Vice President

-Dave Takush of 2 Towns Ciderhouse as Secretary

-John Behrens of Farmhaus Cider in Michigan as Treasurer.

Eleanor Legér, ACA Board President 2021-2024

Eleanor Legér of Eden Cider in Vermont was elected by her fellow directors as Board President in 2021. She is rotating off the executive committee to empower other leaders but will remain on the board in her continued role of Eastern Chair. First elected to the board in 2015, the ACA is incredibly grateful for her long and dedicated service to our mission and our members. She has served the role with honor!

Retiring Directors

Soham Bhatt and Brooke Glover are both retiring from their service as directors this year. The ACA is extremely grateful for their service and the unique perspectives they brought to the board.

Soham Bhatt served on the ACA Board of Directors in an At-Large position from 2021-2024. He started Artifact Cider Project in 2014, with co-founder Jake Mazar, with the desire to create exceptional cider that expresses the Northeast as it is today. With this philosophy and a commitment to helping sustain local orchards, especially in western Massachusetts, they started Artifact as a boot-strapped passion project that crisscrossed the state.

“Soham has been a very engaged and committed board member. He asks good questions and has a mind for strategy. He’s been critical to our education committee, and we’re excited that he will stay involved with our work to grow the Certified Cider Professional program moving forward,” said ACA CEO, Michelle McGrath.

Brooke Glover served on the ACA Board of Directors in an At-Large position from 2018-2024. Brooke is one of the owners of Swilled Dog Hard Cider, a family-owned company based out of West Virginia. Brooke is a Certified Cider Maker through CINA, Level I certified in Spirits through WSET, and a frequent lecturer at WVU. Her passions include dogs, family, learning, adventures, and tater tots.

“Brooke didn’t miss a single board meeting in her 6-year tenure on the board of directors. She has served on several ACA committees and has been a tremendous member of the ACA Executive Committee in her role as ACA Vice President,” McGrath said.


The ACA would like to thank all of the 2024 board candidates for their hard work and dedication not only in this election process but within the industry as a whole. We look forward to continuing to work together to push the envelope forward for cider in America. 

CiderCon® 2024 Recap–Connecting Minds, Igniting Ideas for Growing the Cider Category

CEO’s Note–CiderCon® is carefully curated to offer expert-level content for all stages of the cider industry. In an industry as diverse as cider, it takes immense intentionality, and we are grateful to all of our speakers for participating! Many of our speakers have commented on how eager and engaged the CiderCon® audience was. Great speakers and great students–that’s my CiderCon® dream come true. Thank you to everyone involved! –Michelle McGrath, CEO ACA

  • The 14th annual CiderCon® was held in Portland, Oregon from January 17-19, 2024 at the Oregon Convention Center, celebrating a return to Portland after 8 years. The week was deemed a success despite a rare multi day ice storm that impacted the travel plans of some attendees. CiderCon® is organized by the American Cider Association (ACA) and presented by FruitSmart, and it is the world’s largest conference for the hard cider industry. 
  • 1,250 people registered for CiderCon® 2024, including attendees, vendors, volunteers and speakers, and an estimated 1,100 attended. Registration was 20% more than the previous year, and CiderCon® 2024 attendance exceeded any prior year’s levels despite challenging weather conditions.
  • Attendees came from 40 different states and DC, including Alaska and Hawaii.
  • Oregon claimed the most registrants, followed by Washington, California, and New York.
  • Attendees from 14 different countries participated in CiderCon®, including Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.
  • An estimated 30% of CiderCon® attendees came from the Northwest (MT, ID, OR, WA, BC) this year.
  • The ACA hosted 9 recipients for their Cider is For Everyone Scholarship at CiderCon® 2024. This scholarship is designed to bring individuals from historically marginalized populations within the beverage industry to CiderCon® to increase the accessibility of cider education and catalyze the careers and ownership pathways of these burgeoning cider professionals. Now in its third year, the scholarship received almost four times the number of applications than in the previous two years combined. 
  • The ACA hosted the annual cider guild leadership meeting on January 17 with guild leaders from the Northwest, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, California, Virginia, Utah, and Vermont as well as the UK, Norway, Japan, and Canada. The group shared regional strategies for engaging consumers, retailers, and distributors as well as preemptive strategies for protecting the cider industry from efforts to raise state excise taxes in the US. 
  • CiderCon® 2024 coincided with Oregon Cider Week, organized by the Northwest Cider Association (NWCA). Some events were postponed or canceled due to the inclement weather, but the events that remained were well attended and celebrated cider throughout Portland.
  • The NWCA also organized the tours for CiderCon® 2024. Two overnight tours went to Seattle and Port Townsend areas to visit cideries in those regions. Two other tours explored cideries and bottle shops in Portland, after needing to shift from visiting the cider regions of the Columbia Gorge and the Willamette Valley due to the weather.
  • Cider Share is an ACA-coordinated industry tasting only available to CiderCon® attendees as the beloved opening reception of the conference. This year Cider Share took place on January 17 and featured dozens of cidermakers from around the country and the world.
  • The NWCA coordinated a special preview hour of Cider Share this year. The Cider Share preview hour was invite-only for wholesalers, buyers, media, and influencers to sample cider from throughout the Northwest. NWCA and ACA worked together to invite representatives from local and national companies as a strategy to recruit more wholesalers and buyers to attend CiderCon®. Portland’s weather made it hard for some to attend as flights were delayed, but participation in the preview hour was still high, especially from representatives of the media, who attended CiderCon® in record numbers this year.  
  • The ACA welcomed 3 keynote speakers on the morning of January 18,  including multigenerational orchardists Kaitlyn Thornton (Tonasket, Washington) and Randy Kiyokawa (Kiyokawa Family Orchard in Hood River, Oregon), along with cidery owner Lara Worm (Bivouac Ciderworks in San Diego, California). All three discussed the theme for this year’s CiderCon®: Connecting to Consumers in an Age of Endless Choice
  • Following these three mini-presentations, Zoe Licata of Brewbound hosted a panel discussion, investigating the state of the hard cider industry with a selection of cidery representatives from around the country: Aaron Sarnoff-Wood (2 Towns Ciderhouse, Oregon), Casey Baxter (Blake’s Beverage Company, Michigan), Shannon Edgar (Stormalong Cider, Massachusetts), Caitlin Braam (Yonder Cider, Washington), and Eleanor Leger (Eden Specialty Ciders, Vermont).
  • During the opening session, Michelle McGrath, CEO of the ACA, announced that Reps. Earl Blumenauer (OR-D) and Mike Kelly (PA-R) introduced the Bubble Tax Modernization Act of 2024 (HR 7029) to the 118th Congress of the United States on Thursday, January 18. The “Bubble Bill” will amend a carbonation threshold disparity for lower alcohol wine, cider and mead made with fruit.
  • There were 38 educational sessions held during CiderCon® covering topics in the areas of Crafting Amazing Cider, Doing Better Business, Exploring Cider’s Flavor & Terroir, Growing Bountiful Apples, and Selling More Cider. The Cider Institute of North America helped to develop the Crafting Amazing Cider track sessions once again.
  • There were 12 sensory sessions, including a tasting with cidermaking guests from Sweden and Norway. Other tasting sessions featured stone fruit co-ferments, international perry (pear wine), cider and beer/wine hybrids, foraged fruit cider, ancestral method cider, amphoras, and more.
  • CiderCon® 2024 featured multiple data-driven sessions featuring speakers from 3 Tier Beverage, Wine Market Council, Prosparus, and Mintel, offering nuanced looks at trends in the beverage marketplace and how they may impact the hard cider market.
  • Representatives from beverage retailers spoke at CiderCon® 2024 including speakers from Safeway, Whole Foods, World Foods, Zupan’s, John’s Marketplace, and Ponderosa Beer & Books. 
  • Two sessions explored sustainability issues and opportunities for the cider category, including a panel discussion with Christine Walter (Bauman’s Cider), Mike Biltonen (Know Your Roots), Mimi Casteel (Hope Well Winec), and Greg Jones (Abacela Winery) looking at orcharding, and a panel discussion moderated by Colin Schilling (Schilling Cider) looking at packaging and production with additional panelists from Santa Cruz Cider and American Canning.
  • John Bunker, an American orchardist, pomologist, and “apple explorer” presented two sessions about apple identification. 
  • The ACA once again offered its Certified Pommelier exam at CiderCon® 2024. The  Certified Pommelier is an advanced second-level designation of the ACA’s Certified Cider Professional program geared toward beverage and hospitality industry professionals. Close to 30 people sat for the challenging test that included a blind sensory evaluation section. The new cohort of Certified Pommeliers will be announced in 6 weeks. 
  • There were numerous networking opportunities at CiderCon® 2024, including a Newcomer Networking session sponsored by Maletis Beverage, a BIPOC Cider Professional Meetup, and an Orcharding Meetup where attendees exchanged apple tree scion wood.
  • The TTB–the agency charged with regulating cider over 7% ABV and collecting excise taxes at the federal level–held two sessions at CiderCon® 2024. They were also available during the trade show to answer questions regarding topics ranging from labeling to licensing to formula approval.
  • The trade show, sponsored by FruitSmart, featured 93 vendors from around the country and the world and featured several new vendors as well as many who have returned year after year to support the cider industry. Trade show vendor registration grew by 25% from the previous year, but the inclement weather reduced the number of participating vendors slightly. 93 vendors is still a strong showing for the trade show, which featured 113 booths overall.
  • The Michigan Cider Association hosted a tap trailer in the trade show featuring an impressive range of Michigan ciders for trade show attendees to sample.
  • The ACA Board of Directors recognized several industry members for their efforts to move the cider industry forward, including 2024 Members of the Year: Seattle Cider and Ploughman Cider, the 2024 Apple Advocate Awards: Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Jake Mann (Five Mile Orchard), and the 2024 Significant Impact Awards: Emily Ritchie (Executive Director of Northwest Cider Association) and Brighid O’Keane (Executive Director of Cider Institute of North America). 

SAVE THE DATE: CiderCon® 2025 will be held in Chicago, Illinois from February 4-7, 2025.

CiderCon® was created to offer the commercial hard cider industry an outlet to meet, share ideas, collaborate, and affect positive changes in cidermaking, apple and pear production, the cider market, and cider regulations. CiderCon® is organized by the American Cider Association whose mission is to grow a diverse and successful US. cider industry by providing valuable information, resources, and services to our members and by advocating on their behalf.

Columbia River Gorge Cidery & Brewery Tour

The Columbia River Gorge is a breathtaking canyon that stretches for over 80 miles along the Columbia River, forming the border between the states of Oregon and Washington. It is a natural wonder that has been carved out over millions of years by the powerful forces of water and ice. The gorge is home to a stunning array of natural sights, including towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

On the Columbia River Gorge Cidery & Brewery Tour you’ll have a chance to view towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests while touring three fermentation-focused businesses in this world-renowned region: Double Mountain, Mt. View Orchards, and Working Hands Fermentation. Not only will you be able to tour their production spaces and tasting rooms, but you’ll also get to taste their unique takes on cider and beer, and check out how these businesses attract both the local community and tourists, both beer and cider drinkers.

This CiderCon® 2024 tour includes tastings, lunch, and transportation, so all you have to worry about is having a good time. But there’s only 5 spots left so hurry up and add it to your CiderCon® 2024 registration today!

Thanks to the Northwest Cider Association for organizing this and all tours for CiderCon® 2024.

ACA Announces Cider is for Everyone Scholarship Recipients

PORTLAND (December 29, 2023) – The American Cider Association (ACA) is thrilled to announce the awardees of the 2024 Cider is for Everyone Scholarship. Recipients are Genevieve Regalado (Benny Boy Brewing), Robert Freeman (EsoTerra Ciderworks), Britt Evans, Javier Naranjo (Oklawaha Brewing Company), Tasmine Fraser (Girl with a Cider Review, Cider Canada), Rae Adams (Wehrloom Honey & Meadery), Emily Ptasinski (Republic of Cider), WIlliam Santiago (Crafted Concoctions), Jonathan Osei (Artisanal Brewing Ventures), and José Sabas (Grape Ape). Full recipient bios can be found below.

This scholarship is designed to bring individuals from historically marginalized populations within the beverage industry to CiderCon® to increase the accessibility of cider education and catalyze the careers and ownership-pathways of these burgeoning cider professionals. Now in its third year, the scholarship received almost four times the number of applications than in the previous two years combined.

Each scholarship includes registration, travel and lodging to attend CiderCon® 2024 in Portland, Oregon. Additionally, scholarship recipients receive a year of ACA membership and study materials and waived exam fees to pursue recognition through the Certified Cider Professional and Certified Pommelier™ education and certification program offered by the ACA. The ACA is grateful for support from Yonder Cider, Seattle Cider Co, Nine Pin Ciderworks, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Alma Cider, the Great Little Box Company, John’s MarketplaceBeer Kulture and Lifting Lucy to make the Cider is for Everyone Scholarship possible.

This scholarship is part of a broader effort by the ACA to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the cider industry. In 2019 the ACA launched the Antiracism, Equity and Inclusion Committee, which recognizes diversity, equity and inclusion as important and necessary principles for the 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, evaluated and reformed in order to create equitable opportunities and foster an environment that embraces and values our differences. Its members, in conjunction with the rest of the organization, strive to create events, opportunities and organizational policies that embody these principles, and work to continue evaluating these practices for sustained growth and improvement.

“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.”

“There is a stark difference between being invited to an event and actually belonging in a space. The American Cider Association is doing the difficult and meaningful work of building a culture within the organization and the industry at-large that fosters true belonging by challenging itself to thoughtfully and carefully evolve and expand. The rapid growth and development of this scholarship program is both a testament to that thoughtfulness and indicative of the program’s importance. Its transformative impact on the lives of not just the individuals who receive it, but also the industry professionals who interact with recipients, spans far beyond the CiderCon® experience. This program, its participants, its sponsors, and its supporters collectively demonstrate that cider is, indeed, for everyone,” says ACA Scholarship Coordinator Olivia Pener, a recipient of the scholarship in 2023.

CiderCon® is the world’s premier networking and educational event for the professional cidermaking community. CiderCon® 2024 will take place in Portland, Oregon from January 17-19 at the Oregon Convention Center. Registration is now open and available at https://ciderassociation.org/cidercon2024.

Further information, media interviews, awardee bios and photos available upon request. Please contact Michelle McGrath at michelle@ciderassociation.org. Interested in helping support the Cider is for Everyone Scholarship? Please contact our Scholarship Coordinator Olivia Pener at scholarship@ciderassociation.org

Meet Our Scholarship Recipients

Britt Evans

Britt Evans is a proud West Philadelphian who started her journey in the city’s bustling food and beverage industry in 2010. In 2015, Britt developed a love for craft beer which led to a brewing position with Love City in 2021, making her one of the first Black Women to brew professionally in the city of Philadelphia. In the summer of 2023, Britt joined a collaboration with Farmer Jawn and Ploughman Cider, creating the successful “Uptown Cookout” blend for Barrel & Flow Fest. Now open to the beautiful world of apples and cidermaking, Britt is excited for the next phase in her journey. She hopes to explore the world and collaborate with fellow brewers/cidermakers, continuing to open doors and create safe spaces for Black Women in fermentation.

Emily Ptasinski

Hailing from the vibrant island of Taiwan, Emily Ptasinski has carved a unique path in the world of craft beverages as the co-owner and tasting room manager of Republic of Cider. Alongside her husband, they laid the foundation for their cidery in 2018, driven by a passion for redefining the boundaries of cider craftsmanship. Emily’s dedication to reshaping cider culture is reflected in her belief that inclusivity not only enriches flavors but also strengthens the very essence of craft beverages.  To that, Emily has helped incorporate the distinct flavors of the Asian palate into their portfolio of ciders, even crafting her own Taiwanese plum wine, based on her own mother’s recipe.  Embracing the significance of diversity, she champions the integration of varied perspectives and cultures into the fabric of craft beverages. Recognizing the pivotal role of representation, Emily actively promotes cider within the Taiwanese community, aiming to bridge cultural gaps and foster a sense of belonging.

Emily Ptasinski來自充滿活力的臺灣島,

作為蘋果酒共和國的老板娘和品酒室經理,她在手工飲料領域開闢了一條獨特的道路。 在重新定義蘋果酒工藝界限的激情驅使下,他們與她的丈夫一起在2018成立了,蘋果酒聯合國公司。 Emily致力於重塑蘋果酒文化,這反映在她的信念中,即包容性不僅能豐富風味,還能強化精釀飲料的精髓。 對此,Emily幫助將亞洲味覺的獨特風味納入了他們的蘋果酒組合,甚至根據她母親的食譜製作了自己的臺灣李子酒。 她擁抱多樣性的重要性,倡導將不同的視角和文化融入手工飲料的結構中。 Emily了解獨特性的重要,特別在西雅圖臺灣社群積極推廣蘋果酒,旨在彌合文化差距,培養歸屬感。

Emily很高興被選為美國蘋果酒協會2024年蘋果酒大會的獎學金獲得者。

Genevieve Regalado

Genevieve Regalado, the General Manager at Benny Boy Brewing in Los Angeles, CA, found her passion for cider kindled by the unique balance of dryness and sweetness in Benny Boy’s offerings. This pleasant surprise, given her background in the craft beer industry, not only sparked her creativity in imagining new flavor combinations but also inspired her to delve deeper into the world of cider. Motivated by her curiosity, she became the first on her team to pass the CCP 1 exam, thereby setting a precedent and guiding the development of a cider education program at Benny Boy. Currently, she is studying to pass her Certified Pommelier™ exam, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning in her field. Genevieve is already infusing her creative ideas for new flavor profiles, featuring indigenous fruits and plants, into the team’s work. These ideas hold the potential to inspire new blends with Benny Boy’s beloved Pippin apple cider. As a proud member of the Latino community, she is weaving elements of her heritage into Benny Boy’s offerings and programming, fostering a broader appreciation for cider among diverse audiences.

Javier Naranjo

Javier Naranjo, a seasoned fermentation professional with a BS in Chemistry, began his journey at Flat Rock Cider Company, refining his craft for two transformative years. Transitioning to Oklawaha Brewing Company, where he currently serves as a Brewer, Javier has been part of a dedicated team that achieved notable success. Together, the team has secured prestigious medals from the North Carolina Brewers Guild and the U.S. Open Beer Championship, contributing to the elevated recognition of Hendersonville, NC’s burgeoning brewing scene.

Jonathan A. Osei

Jonathan A. Osei, Manager of Solutions Design & Delivery at Jobs For the Future, blends his Arizona roots and Ghanaian-Black Southern heritage to fuel his passion for community work and craft beverages. His journey in the nonprofit social impact space is intertwined with his love for diverse cultures and flavors.

While studying at Duke University, Jonathan’s interest in the craft beverage scene blossomed, with Durham introducing him to a variety of craft drinks that broadened his palate. This experience sparked a particular fondness for cider, beginning with Bold Rock Cider and later, Bull City Ciderworks.

In Washington, D.C., Jonathan’s enthusiasm led to his role as a DC Brand Ambassador for Artisanal Brewing Ventures, sharing exceptional craft beverages. He is committed to diversifying the craft beer and cider industry, actively promoting local Black brewers through the Black Brew Movement and fostering inclusivity and collaboration. Jonathan’s goal is to enrich the craft beverage culture with diverse flavors and perspectives, bringing people together to enjoy unique and delightful beverages.

José Sabas

José Sabas orginally hails from Coachella, California. He is currently the chef at Grape Ape, a natural wine bar in Portland, Oregon. José just recently started his journey in cidermaking and is focused on low intervention and co-fermentations, using only produce from the Pacific Northwest.

Rae Adams

Rae Adams, from Chicago, IL, moved to Western North Carolina in hopes to work with a farm futuristic enough to be using traditional farming technology without harmful chemicals and pesticides. Entering the professional world directly from a Liberal Arts program, with a concentration in Physics, was an exciting leap into the corporate hustle but was not the card best suited. She has since been a strong part of the Customer Service and Entertainment industries, including management teams of bars, music venues and restaurants in Chicago and Western North Carolina. Currently, Rae is the Director of Sales for Wehrloom Honey & Meadery in Graham County, Robbinsville, NC. The Wehrloom team philosophy is that no one holds any one title; they’re all Beekeepers, Mead Makers, and Packaging and Sales Specialists: Aron, Garret, Ted, Jessica, Gayle, Abby and Anna. Working at Wehrloom is more than a profession, it’s a passion.

Robert Freeman

When Robert Freeman was 18 he got a tattoo on his arm that has an apple in an eye, to signify a promise to himself to always proceed with intention and chosen purpose. All his intents and purposes have led him here. Nowadays, all he sees are apples. He is passionate about the potential and the future of apples and the cider industry in America. Robert currently works at EsoTerra Ciderworks. Getting this opportunity to go to CiderCon®, to become a member of the ACA, and to have the chance to become a Certified Pommelier™ – is a literal dream come true for Robert.

Tasmine Fraser

Tas Fraser is a Canadian cider enthusiast and social media content creator located in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada. She is the founder of @girlwithaciderreview on Instagram where she shares her reviews of ciders from around the world. She started her Instagram in 2018 and has since developed many exciting projects. Throughout the pandemic, she created the IGTV show #ciderandlife to showcase local and global cideries making an impact in their communities. In 2021, she launched #noappleogies project to empower and highlight the work of women in cider and tackle issues of sexism and racism in the industry. The movement was intentional, reaching many corners of the world and generating conversation via podcasts, articles, and social media, and including some educational workshops on creating safe spaces in the beverage industry. Tas is currently a part of the CiderScene team and a member of the Cider Canada Board of Directors (and member of the Equity Committee). Outside of cider, she is pursuing her Masters in Social work, and working in the field doing preventative work and supporting survivors of gender-based violence.

William Santiago

Born in Puerto Rico, William Santiago is an award winning bartender currently working at Crafted Concoctions in Tavares, Florida. He has more than 10 years experience in the beverage alcohol industry. He is WSET certified in both Wine and Spirits level 2, a cocktail educator, and a spirit and cider enthusiast.