BLOG

Press Release: Certified Cider Professional Program Expands to Asia

By Darlene Hayes | June 3, 2024

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,…

June is Pride Month: Celebrate our Industry and All of the People and Styles That Make It Amazing

By Jennie Dorsey | May 31, 2024

As we step into Pride Month, it’s a perfect time to celebrate everything that makes the cider industry so vibrant and dynamic. Our community thrives because of the people and the styles and stories that they share.  Commissioned in 1978, the rainbow flag was made as a visual representation of love and safety for all…

Press Release: ACA Welcomes Six New European Certified Pommeliers

By Woodley Smith | May 28, 2024

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…

Member Rate Increase and New Member Levels Notification

By Woodley Smith | May 22, 2024

We love cider! At ACA we are deeply committed to supporting the industry and our members so that the US cider community can be strong today and continue thriving for years to come.  So it goes without saying, we also love our members. That’s one reason why we haven’t increased our membership dues for more…

Press Release: ACA Reaches 100 Certified Pommeliers Following New York Exam

By Woodley Smith | May 21, 2024

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…

May 30: Navigating Trends: Insights Into Wine & Spirits for Cidermakers

By Woodley Smith | May 19, 2024

Join us for an exclusive webinar hosted by 3 Tier Beverages consultants Julia Lechleiter and Mary Mills, in collaboration with the American Cider Association. We will explore Wine and Spirit trends and the possible intersection with Cider.  As the BevAlc industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial for Cider producers to stay informed to be able to…

June 17: Sensory Analysis Workshop at Bivouac Ciderworks

By Woodley Smith | May 17, 2024

Interested in learning how to taste cider like a pro? The American Cider Association is proud to announce that we will be teaming up with Bivouac Cider to host a cider sensory workshop. Join us Monday, June 17 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Adventure Lodge, 3980 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104 for an…

June 27: Live Sensory Analysis Webinar with Brooklyn Cider House

By Woodley Smith | May 15, 2024

You’re invited to a Live Sensory Analysis webinar on Thursday, June 27th, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Pacific! Join our Certified Pommelier panel as they guide you through an immersive sensory experience featuring cider from Brooklyn Cider House in New York. During this live practice session, you’ll learn how to analyze and appreciate cider like…

USA Featured as Guests of Honor at CiderWorld in Germany

By Woodley Smith | May 2, 2024

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…

Meet Your Board Member: Josie Mielke

By Woodley Smith | April 22, 2024

Josie Mielke is the co-owner and operations manager at Urban Orchard Cider Company in Asheville, North Carolina. She was elected to the ACA board of directors in January 2024 to an At Large Seat. Tell us about your cidery/farm/orchard Urban Orchard Cider Company is family owned and operated by a crew of passionate and fun-loving…