Press Release
Breaking News! ‘Bubble Bill’ Introduced to the Senate
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York introduced the Bubble Tax Modernization Act to the Senate (S.5442) on December 5, 2024. The American Cider Association applauds this as the next step toward carbonation parity which is critical for the future growth of the cider industry.
“There is no reason that craft cidermakers 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.”
In states like New York and others, 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 Cider’s blueberry cider, made with a blend of apples from nearby Samascott Orchards and blueberries from Indian Ladder Farm, are a prime example of profit extension for local 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 an important disaster mitigation option 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 hurricane 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. “Frankly, bubble taxes are a needless snub at America’s fruit farmers. Don’t they have it hard enough?”
The American Cider Association is encouraging its members to reach out to their Representatives and Senators to ask them to sign on to the Bubble Tax Modernization Act. Our action tool has been updated to target both the House and the Senate, so you can send your message with the click of a button:
The ACA will continue working hard on this and other advocacy priorities to remove critical barriers that are preventing the cider industry from reaching its true potential. We can’t do this work without the support of our members like you. So please email your congresspeople and urge them to sign onto the Bubble Tax Modernization Act. Already emailed them earlier this year? Please email them again. We want their inboxes flooded with messages from cider industry folks around the country encouraging them to support the Bubble Tax Modernization Act.
The American Cider Association Announces Departure of CEO Michelle McGrath After 8 ½ Years of Inspiring Leadership
Portland, OR–Longtime American Cider Association CEO Michelle McGrath will depart her role at the end of 2024. This change comes after more than 8 years of successful leadership overseeing significant advancements in the ACA’s mission for the benefit of the US cider community. McGrath was hired in 2016 as the first CEO of the ACA, then called the United States Association of Cider Makers. Since her hiring, she led a transformation of the ACA into the internationally-respected nonprofit trade organization that it is today.
“Michelle has been instrumental at the helm of ACA for both our organization as well as for the cider industry. We will miss her creative, strategic, and compassionate leadership, but we are excited to see where her next endeavors take her. The board is grateful for Michelle’s 8 ½ years of service during which she reached many meaningful milestones for the ACA,” says current ACA Board President, Christine Walter of Bauman’s Cider.
As CEO, McGrath expanded and diversified membership, events, and programs, enhanced the association’s capabilities, reach, credibility and network, and effectively advocated for policy change supporting cider with Congress, the TTB, and state governments.
“I’m really proud of what the board, staff, volunteers, partners, and members have accomplished together over the last 8+ years. It’s been a true honor to work with such inspiring people, and although I am ready to move to the next phase of my career, I will cherish my time and the relationships I’ve built at the ACA forever,” says McGrath. “It’s hard to express how much the people in this industry mean to me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the friendships and memories made. I was a cider fan before I took the reins at the ACA, and I’ll be a cider fan for life!”
A few of McGrath’s many accomplishments:
- Increased the ACA’s membership by more than 60% to nearly 800 members
- Achieved a substantial 100% increase in annual revenue by diversifying funding sources
- Expanded the ACA’s team to several highly capable and passionate team members
- Organized and led 8 CiderCon® events, the largest cider-industry event worldwide
- Oversaw the development, growth and global expansion of the ACA’s Certified Cider Professional program, the only globally available education program for beverage and culinary industry professionals
- Championed programs and policies to support the growth of a diverse interest in cider, including the ACA’s Cider is for Everyone Scholarship
- Created a market insights program that shares market data and reports with members and the beverage industry at large
- Fostered strong relationships with key national beverage media outlets and cultivated meaningful press highlighting the growth of cider and the humans behind it
- Supported national collaborative efforts to expand small-producer tax credits
- Fought for the right to list harvest years on TTB-approved labels for cider over 7% ABV
- Led efforts in securing TTB approval for 12 oz (approved in 2020), 16 oz, and 19.2 oz packaging sizes for wine, mead, and cider over 7% ABV (TTB comments recently closed)
- Collaborated with congressional champions and allied segments to introduce the Bubble Tax Modernization Act (HR 7029) to increase allowable carbonation thresholds for fruit cider, fruit wine and fruit mead under 8.5% ABV
McGrath shared that her championing of farmers will continue in her next role. She plans to stay engaged with the cider industry, and she will be at CiderCon® 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
“I’m excited to see everyone, and to experience the cider from the featured guest country this year–Chile! Let’s share some cider together, friends!” McGrath says.
The ACA Board of Directors is accepting applications for its next dynamic and visionary CEO until November 24. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Those interested in applying can learn more here.
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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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Press Release: Certified Cider Professional Program Expands to Asia
PRESS RELEASE
The American Cider Association (ACA) is pleased to announce the expansion of its Certified Cider Professional (CCP) education and certification program to Asia. Lee Reeve, founder of inCiderJapan and organizer of the prestigious Japan Cider Cup, has joined the ACA team as an educator for the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide in Japan, China, Korea, and elsewhere in Asia. The first in-person class for candidates studying for the Certified Cider Guide exam is scheduled for August 31, 2024 at Antenna America Kannai in Yokohama, Japan. Registration for the class will open in July.
“The American Cider Association’s Certified Cider Professional program is the world’s leading cider education program,” states Reeve. “It is an invaluable tool and certification that can benefit anyone with an interest in cider: from enthusiasts to those working in the food and beverage sector, and especially professionals within the cider and drinks industry.”
“Lee has been keen to bring the CCP program to Asia for some time,” says ACA CEO Michelle McGrath. “With his extensive knowledge of cider and the Asian cider market, and his many contacts in the region, we are very excited by what he will bring to the program.”
“As cider continues to grow and become increasingly relevant to the Asian region,” continues Reeve, “so will the thirst and desire for quality information and knowledge regarding all things cider. As such, making the CCP available in Asia is an exciting and welcome opportunity and win-win for everyone. As someone who has been promoting cider and cider education since 2017, and also a Certified Pommelier, I very much look forward to helping the ACA reach out and empower others through learning about this historic and future significant drink.”
While Asia is not commonly thought of as a cider region, Japan has a growing number of enthusiastic cidermakers as well as a robust and fruitful track record in the breeding of new apple cultivars, which are an important crop in several parts of the country, including Aomori and Nagano. In addition, China grows more apples than any country in the world, and while the market for cider there is relatively new, the possibilities are enormous.
The American Cider Association is a not-for-profit trade organization of cider and perry producers in the United States. The Certified Cider Professional program is helping the ACA reach its vision for the industry by increasing the understanding and appreciation of these historic beverages.
For more information about CCP in Asia, contact Lee Reeve at lee@ciderassociation.org. For more information on the global CCP program, contact the ACA’s Education Operations Manager, Jennie Dorsey, at jennie@ciderassociation.org.
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Press Release: ACA Welcomes Six New European Certified Pommeliers
The American Cider Association is pleased to welcome six new European Certified Pommeliers after completion of the first certification exam offered outside of the United States. The new Certified Pommeliers are some of the 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 new Certified Pommliers hale from countries across the continent including the UK, Italy, France, Germany, and Lithuania. They are Adam Wells, who was on the shortlist for 2024 Fortnum and Mason’s Drink Writer of the Year for his work at Cider Review, Marco Manfrini, president of the Associazione Pommelier e Assaggiatori di Sidro, influential cider writer (Cider Explorer) Natalia Wszelaki, historian, writer and maker at Kertelreiter Cider & Perry Barry Masterson, cidermaker at Sodo Sidrinė Donatas Genys, and wine and cider scientist and consultant Yann Gilles.
Donatas Genys
Yann Gilles
Marco Manfrini
Barry Masterson
Adam Wells
Natalia Wszelaki
“The response to the exam was amazing,” shares the ACA’s CEO Michelle McGrath, “and to have such a distinguished group now part of the growing global CCP community is a testament to the CCP program’s role in supporting the growth of cider within the larger beverage category. It is a rigorous exam, and you could tell that all who sat for it had taken their studies seriously though they are all already playing significant roles in the cider industry. We are so grateful to Christine Isensee-Kiseau, Michael Stöckl, and the whole Cider World Frankfurt team for partnering with the ACA to make this exam happen and hope we can do it again next year.”
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.
For more information about the CCP program contact Education Operations Manager 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.
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Press Release: ACA Reaches 100 Certified Pommeliers Following New York Exam
The American Cider Association is thrilled to announce that 100 individuals have now attained the prestigious Certified Pommelier designation following the exam held at ACA member cidery Wölffer Estate in Sagaponack, New York on April 18. This benchmark is meaningful for the Certified Pommelier program because the exam is rigorous with robust theory and sensory evaluation sections . The new Certified Pommeliers are Hannah Keggins, Cidermaker at Westwind Orchard, Alicia Pelkey, Cidermaker at Red Apple Farm, and Charlee Oddo, Cider Expert at Ancona’s Wines & Liquor.
Hannah Keggins
Alicia Pelkey
Charlee Oddo
“We are beyond excited to celebrate that we now have 100 Certified Pommeliers. To see the dedication of so many in the beverage community equip themselves with advanced skills to guide consumers through the wide variety of ciders available is truly inspiring,” comments ACA CEO Michelle McGrath.
Early on, the American Cider Association recognized the need to promote specialized knowledge about the cider category. Most food and beverage certification programs cover cider in a cursory manner or not at all. With cider being a beautifully nuanced beverage with a diverse set of elements often not known by culinary and hospitality professionals, the establishment of the Certified Cider Professional (CCP) program in 2016 was a strategic maneuver to educate professional audiences.
Today, the CCP program is educating those on the front-line of cider sales, making it the world’s most comprehensive and in-depth cider appreciation program for food and beverage professionals worldwide.
“We know that consumers respond to engaged servers, and that confident recommendations go a long way in influencing their purchase decision. Our theory of change is that cider enthusiasm is contagious–CCP is how we keep the flame growing,” adds McGrath.
Certified Cider Professional Program Benchmarks as of May 21, 2024:
- Number of Level 1 Certified Cider Guides: 2,602
- Number of States with Certified Cider Guides: 49 including DC
- Number of Countries with Certified Cider Guides: 20
- Number of Level 2 Certified Pommeliers: 100
- Certified Pommeliers Around the World: United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, Italy, New Zealand and the UK
More about the Certified Cider Professional Program and Upcoming Opportunities
The CCP program begins with a Certified Cider Guide (CCG) Level 1 certification to help industry professionals develop a fundamental understanding of cider. The Certified Pommelier (CP) Level 2 takes it a step further by encouraging cider professionals to think critically and showcase a higher level of understanding of the elements of cider. The rigorous testing process consists of four types of questions, including short answer, fill in the blank, essay, and blind sensory–which is based on tasting.
The ACA is dedicated to ensuring that all information tested on the exam is made accessible to anyone who desires to learn. To that end, the ACA released a textbook in March of 2023 to help candidates prepare to take the exam with just one comprehensive resource. The second edition of the textbook was released in March of 2024 to present a more global view of the cider industry as well as including new sections covering important emerging sectors such as low and no-alcohol products.The textbook is available for purchase through Kindle Direct Publishing. Additionally, the ACA offers sensory analysis practice webinars and a Facebook study group continuously updated with resources for exam candidates. Interested candidates can find links to all Certified Pommelier resources on the ACA website.
For those interested in attaining their Certified Pommelier designation, there are several upcoming exams to choose from:
- July 23: Bellingham, WA
- August 20: Minneapolis, MN
- October 8: Austin, TX
- February 5, 2025: CiderCon® 2025 Chicago
In addition, there is a live sensory analysis webinar scheduled for June 27 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM Pacific featuring Brooklyn Cider House. Those interested in attending can find all the details on the ACA website. Taking advantage of sensory analysis webinars is highly encouraged for those interested in taking the Certified Pommelier exam.
Contact the ACA’s Education Operations Manager Jennie Dorsey if you have questions about the Certified Cider Professional program or are interested in taking either the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide or Level 2 Certified Pommelier exams. You can also learn more at https://ciderassociation.org/certification.
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USA Featured as Guests of Honor at CiderWorld in Germany
Darlene Hayes Recognized for Her Efforts to Develop the Category
The 16th annual CiderWorld took place in Frankfurt, Germany last week. The combined competition, celebration, and cider expo welcomed the United States as the Guest Country of Honor this year. In addition, the ACA was able to partner with CiderWorld to offer the first Level 1 Certified Cider Guide Workshop & Certification and the first Certified Pommelier Exam in Europe.
CiderWorld’s expo was held at the Palmengarten and featured over 100 exhibitors from 17 countries who shared their cider with attendees.The American Cider Association joined member cideries ANXO and Vander Mill at the USA’s spotlight booth. The ACA also poured cider from Alpenfire Cider, Bauman’s Cider, Metal House Cider, Raging Cider & Mead and Tanuki Cider, highlighting the diversity and range of American Cider to German consumers.
“Many of the visitors to our cider booth were shocked to hear about the size of the American cider industry and taste the quality of some of the ciders made there. It was an incredible experience to share these ciders with German consumers who drink a lot more cider than the average American,” reflected Michelle McGrath, CEO of ACA.
Every year at CiderWorld an individual is recognized as the Cider Star of the Year. The ACA is thrilled to announce that this year the honor went to Darlene Hayes, ACA Educational Content Manager. Darlene was recognized for her efforts to raise awareness of the cider industry around the world, her research into the history and roots of cider in the U.S., and for her work with other cider specialists to develop a consensus on knowledge and standards.
“Darlene Hayes’ extensive knowledge of science and law, as well as her exceptional palate, make her the ideal partner when it comes to the growth and development of the cider industry,” says Michael Stöckl, Managing Director of CiderWorld.
Norman Thatcher Scharpf, U.S. Consul General, joined the CiderWorld award ceremony to meet U.S. cider producers and celebrate the U.S. being the guest country of honor. He formally addressed the audience with remarks on the growth and significance of the U.S. cider market.
Frankfurt and the Hessen region are steeped in centuries of cider culture that have not only persevered but flourished, symbolizing a cherished heritage and a testament to the region’s love for its local produce and traditional crafts. Known locally as “Apfelwein” in German, this cider has been a staple of Hessen culture, deeply ingrained in the social fabric of the region. The art of cidermaking in Hesse evolved from the abundant apple orchards dotting the countryside, with families passing down time-honored recipes from generation to generation. Frankfurt, in particular, emerged as a hub for cider production and consumption, giving rise to cozy “Apfelweinwirtschaften” (apple wine taverns) where locals and visitors alike can gather to enjoy local cider.
It was a great honor to participate in the CiderWorld competition and expo. The ACA hopes that more U.S. cideries will enter the CiderWorld competition in the future.
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ACA Announces International Expansion of Certified Cider Professional Program
PRESS RELEASE
February 26, 2024
Contact: Michelle McGrath
Email: michelle@ciderassociation.org
The American Cider Association is pleased to announce the expansion of its beverage professional education and certification program to the global cider community. The Certified Cider Professional program was launched at CiderCon® 2016 with a particular focus on the United States. Since then, the certification program has developed to become the most robust and thorough cider appreciation and education program for beverage professionals in the world. Most recently the ACA has revised study and exam materials to have a broader scope, and the ACA’s Certified Cider Professional program is now applicable to anywhere in the world that cider is made and sold.
“We have been getting an increasing number of inquiries about the CCP program from all over the world,” says Jennie Dorsey, ACA Education Operations Manager. “A number of candidates for the second level of certification, Certified Pommelier, have even made a trip to the U.S. just to sit for the exam, so clearly there is an unmet need out there and no other comparable education program available.”
Award winning educator and global cider expert Gabe Cook, aka The Ciderologist, has joined forces with the ACA to help expand its certification program to a global audience. Cook says, “I am delighted to be teaming up with the ACA through CCP to increase the knowledge, respect and passion for one of the world’s truly great and ancient drinks.” He continues, “Now is the time for a unified education program that is applicable and open to anyone and everyone from Seattle to Somerset to Sydney. It is a true reflection of the globalization of cider and indicative of this being an incredibly exciting time for cider.”
Additional updates geared toward program growth include CCP branding. The ACA has newly retitled CCP’s introductory level to “Certified Cider Guide,” and has updated the CCP branding to better distinguish the two offered CCP levels–(1) Certified Cider Guide and (2) Certified Pommelier.
The first international in-person Certified Cider Guide training workshop and exam was held in Melbourne, Australia in the fall of 2023 with the support of Cider Australia. The exam took place following the Australian Cider awards and ten individuals earned the title of Certified Cider Guide.
Additional in-person classes and exams are planned for Europe in the coming months. On-demand virtual training and Certified Cider Guide exams are also available at any time.
The inaugural international Certified Pommelier exam is scheduled to be held in April 2024 to coincide with the Cider World event in Frankfurt, Germany. To earn their title Certified Pommeliers are rigorously tested on their cider knowledge with a written theory exam and a sensory evaluation exam.
“We are very confident in our educational programming, and these recent steps will help us reach more US beverage professionals as well as international ones,” says ACA’s CEO Michelle McGrath. “Gabe Cook is uniquely suited to helping us grow the program overseas, and we’re really excited about the partnership. He works tirelessly for the cider category,” McGrath adds.
There are currently 2,480 Certified Cider Guides and 97 Certified Pommeliers.
The American Cider Association is an organization of cider and perry producers in the United States. The Certified Cider Professional program is helping the ACA reach its vision for the US cider industry which includes but is not limited to the following aspirations: (1) Throughout America, it is widely understood that cider pairs exceptionally well with food, (2) America’s most talented chefs and beverage professionals are promoting cider and food pairings on their menus, in their public relations and on television, (3) US cider is the most coveted cider in the global marketplace.
Visit cidercertification.org to learn more about CCP training and exam opportunities around the world. International certification inquiries can be made with Gabe Cook at Gabe@ciderassociation.org. North America based inquiries can be made with Jennie Dorsey at Jennie@ciderassociation.org.
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Additional Information:
Certified Cider Professional Logos: CLICK HERE
Certified Cider Professional Photos: CLICK HERE
Gabe Cook Photos and Bio: CLICK HERE
“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:
- Award for Significant Impact on the Industry | Emily Ritchie, Executive Director, NW Cider Association
- Award for Significant Impact on the Industry | Brighid O’Keane, Executive Director, Cider Institute of North America
- Apple Advocate Award | Representative Earl Blumenauer, Oregon
- Apple Advocate Award | Jake Mann, Five Mile Orchard, California
- Member of the Year | Ploughman Cider, Pennsylvania
- 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
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.
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.
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/)
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.
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.
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.
Reps. Blumenauer & Kelly Introduce Bubble Bill
Representatives Blumenauer & Kelly Introduce the Bubble Tax Modernization Act
‘Bubble Bill’ Will Spur Innovation for Sparkling Co-fermented and Fruited Cider, Wine, and Mead
Washington, DC—Earlier today Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-D) & Mike Kelly (PA-R) introduced the Bubble Tax Modernization Act of 2024 (HR 7029) to the 118th Congress. The bill will amend a minor carbonation tax disparity for lower alcohol wine, cider and mead made with fruit.
Despite the popularity of bubbly beverages, the carbonation tax–colloquially called the ‘bubble tax’ on fruit wine, fruit cider, and fruit mead makes carbonating these agricultural products at sparkling levels cost prohibitive. Most craft beverage entrepreneurs can’t afford to carbonate these products at the level the market wants. The result is that an important American agricultural sector is falling flat.
“The cider industry is a quintessential American story. Pioneers taking what the land gives them and creating something magical. We must take every opportunity to support cidermakers, especially as the craft beverage industry recovers from the ravages of the pandemic. Right now, it is not a level playing field for cider, which is taxed more heavily than other carbonated, fruit-based beverages. My common-sense proposal will ensure cidermakers can create products for their customers, not the tax collector,” Rep. Blumenauer says.
Amie Fields, partner and sales manager at Botanist & Barrel Cidery & Winery in North Carolina, says the bill will enable innovation for their business.
“We are known for creativity and producing unique pet nats and bottle conditioned cider and wine with a range of ABVs, but recently we have been working on a series of lower alcohol content beverages. However, the carbonation tax currently disincentives our creativity, which hampers our ability to fully explore more sessionable beverages and boost our revenue by appealing to new customers,” explains Fields.
Current tax rates for low-ABV carbonated fruit wine, cider, and mead are $3.30 or $3.40 per gallon. Meanwhile low-ABV carbonated grape wines have a current tax rate of $1.07 per gallon. In addition, fruited beers, seltzers, hard kombucha, and ready-to-drink canned cocktails are carbonating freely to give consumers the bubbles they want.
Raising the floor of the carbonation tax threshold to include ALL low-ABV wine, cider, and mead to 0.64 grams of carbon dioxide per hundred milliliters will allow producers to compete more fairly in the evolving beverage market. The Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2020 achieved this for grape-only wines, but fruit-based craft beverages were overlooked. This created an excise tax disparity of $2.00 to $3.00 a gallon depending on the product.
Blumenauer’s legislation will address this disparity by changing how carbonation taxes are assessed. It will reduce a barrier for more innovative cider, fruit wine, and mead. In addition, it will create more economic opportunities for craft beverage makers, allow for small producer collaborations, create more opportunities for farms to stay viable with value-added products, and allow for diversification that could help farms and businesses mitigate disasters such as fires, droughts, floods, or disease.
HR 7029 is supported by the American Cider Association, the American Mead Makers Association, and Wine America.
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The American Cider Association is an organization of cider and perry producers in the United States. Our mission is to grow a diverse and successful U.S. cider industry by providing valuable information, resources, and services to our members and by advocating on their behalf. You can learn more about them at www.ciderassociation.org.