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ACA Announces Keynote Speakers for CiderCon® 2025 from New York and Minnesota
Speakers to Focus on Conference Theme: “Cider’s Balanced Future: Planet, People, Profit” The 15th annual CiderCon® will take place in Chicago, Illinois from February 4-7, 2025 at the beautiful Hilton Chicago. CiderCon®, the world’s largest professional cider conference, will feature a stellar line-up of speakers who will delve into the 2025 theme, “Cider’s Balanced Future:…
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…
January 30: Certified Cider Guide Workshop & Certification in London, England
The world’s finest cider education programme, the Certified Cider Professional (CCP) Programme, will be back again for another Level 1: Certified Cider Guide (CCG) classroom session and exam in the heart of London on Thursday 30th January 2025. Leisurely run over the course of a day, this L1 CCG training has been developed specifically for…
February 5: Certified Pommelier Exam at CiderCon® 2025
Take the Certified Pommelier Exam at CiderCon® 2025 in Chicago, Illinois on February 5! 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…
Member Highlight: Hale & True
Cidery Name Hale & True Where are you located and when did you start? Located in Philadelphia, we opened our doors in 2018 (but made cider for years before that). Describe your cidery in three words: Welcoming, comfortable, accessible What inspired you to start making cider? A love of fermentation! Describe your cider making style:…
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,…
Join the American Cider Association as Our Next Visionary CEO!
Are you a dynamic leader looking to dive into the hard cider industry to fight for cider’s rightful place in the beverage alcohol space? Are you an energetic convener who specializes in bringing people together behind a shared vision? Do you love championing agriculture, apple growers and innovators? Do you get excited about new market…
Cider Judges Reflect on Historic GABF Competition
The American Cider Association was honored to support the historic inaugural cider competition as part of the Brewers Association’s Great American Beer Festival this fall in Denver, Colorado. The cider categories were developed through ACA’s partnership with GABF and input from experienced cider sensory professionals. The ACA was pleased to share our expertise with the…
Guest Blog: Regional Cider Sales Across the U.S. Are Up
With cider production up in over 30 states, is the beverage finally shedding its “fall-drink-only” status? When rosé burst into the wine world in the mid-2000s, producers had a lot of work to do when it came to shaking off its ‘summer-drink-only’ rank. Similarly, cidermakers have faced challenges when it comes to showing consumers the…
November 13: Live Sensory Analysis Webinar with Tandem Ciders
You’re invited to a Live Sensory Analysis webinar on Wednesday, November 13, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Pacific Time! Join our Certified Pommelier panel as they guide you through an immersive sensory experience featuring cider from Tandem Ciders from Michigan. During this live practice session, you’ll learn how to analyze and appreciate cider like a…