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Expanding Global Cider Education: ACA Partners with The Drinks Trust and Heineken to make the Certified Cider Guide™ Course More Accessible in the UK

By Woodley Smith | October 20, 2025

The American Cider Association (ACA) is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with The Drinks Trust and Heineken to make the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ (CCG) qualification more accessible to drinks professionals across the United Kingdom. This collaboration marks an important step toward expanding access to professional cider education and supporting the next…

Cider Shows Up at Great American Beer Festival

By Woodley Smith | October 15, 2025

For the second consecutive year, cider took the stage alongside beer at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival® (GABF) competition…and, once again, made a big impression. As the beverage world continues to evolve, cider is increasingly being recognized as a dynamic, creative and important contributor to the beverage alcohol category. Included in the more than…

C-Store Cider Sales Thrive This Year

By Woodley Smith | October 14, 2025

Each month consumer insights platform Sightlines will share one quick hit you can use to make confident decisions. Also, ACA members get 50% off a Sightlines subscription. Find the discount code in the Resource Hub. While alcohol has generally been in the red in most retail channels this year, cider sales in convenience stores offer…

Introducing the Certified Cider Guide™ Digital Flashcards

By Woodley Smith | October 13, 2025

The American Cider Association is excited to share a brand-new study tool for anyone preparing for the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ exam! The Certified Cider Guide™ Digital Flashcards are now available for free, offering an easy and engaging way to test your knowledge wherever you are. Designed to help you master key terms, cider…

American Cider Association Welcomes New Canadian Licensed Educator

By Woodley Smith | October 7, 2025

The American Cider Association (ACA) is proud to announce that Jenna Boucher has joined its growing network of Licensed Educators, bringing her award-winning expertise and Canadian perspective to the Certified Cider Professional™ (CCP) program. Jenna is an accomplished cidermaker, judge, and educator with deep roots in Canada’s diverse cider scene. A Certified Pommelier™ and GLINTCAP…

The 2025 Government Shutdown: What it Means for You

By Woodley Smith | October 2, 2025

Because Congress has not yet passed a continuing resolution to fund the government, a federal shutdown is now in effect beginning October 1, 2025. For cideries, the most immediate impact comes from the significant reduction of 87% of staff at the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). The TTB will continue only essential…

Cider Industry’s Premiere Event Coming to Providence, Rhode Island February 2026

By Woodley Smith | September 30, 2025

For Immediate Release American Cider Association Monica Cohen, CEO Cider Industry’s Premiere Event Coming to Providence, Rhode Island February 2026 CiderCon® 2026 is coming to Providence, Rhode Island, bringing together cidermakers, industry leaders, and innovators from around the globe to learn, connect, and celebrate the craft of cider.  This year’s theme, “Crafting Cider’s Future Together,”…

Haritz Rodriguez Joins the Certified Cider Professional™ Program as a Licensed Educator in Spain, Portugal, and Mexico.

By Woodley Smith | September 17, 2025

The American Cider Association (ACA) is proud to announce that Haritz Rodriguez, known across the cider world as @Ciderzale, has been appointed as the next Licensed Educator for the Certified Cider Professional™ (CCP) Program. Haritz brings more than a decade of experience in cider education, culture, and promotion to this role. An independent journalist and…

ACA Partners with Brock University to Offer Certified Cider Guide™ Workshop in Canada

By Woodley Smith | September 17, 2025

The American Cider Association (ACA) is thrilled to announce a new collaboration with the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) at Brock University. Together, we are bringing our Level 1 Certified Cider Guide™ (CCG) training to Canada with a one-day, in-person workshop designed to prepare participants to earn their first level of cider certification.…

February 3: Certified Pommelier Exam at CiderCon® 2026

By Woodley Smith | September 11, 2025

TAKE THE CERTIFIED POMMELIER EXAM AT CIDERCON® 2026 IN PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD! Are you 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!…