October is National Cider Month: ACA is a Supporting Partner

By Woodley Smith | September 3, 2025 |

National Cider Month is back for 2025! Founded by Schilling Cider in 2022, National Cider Month has grown into an industry-wide celebration of cider, cidermakers, and the apple harvest season. Held throughout October, this is a powerful opportunity to elevate the craft, connect with consumers, and shift perceptions about cider.

A number of cider companies have participated in a variety of ways in the last few years – from organizing promotions at the store shelf to drawing consumers into their tap rooms with special events. According to IRI data, cider sales saw a 5% lift during National Cider Month in its first year, highlighting the impact of coordinated consumer-facing promotion.

As we’re all about moving more cider, the American Cider Association is proud to be a supporting partner of National Cider Month. Leading up to – and throughout the month of October, we will be amplifying National Cider Month and member events as well as securing media coverage to help drive visibility and excitement for cider.

More than 160 cideries and counting have signed on to participate in National Cider Month. Once signed up you can access National Cider Month logos and other promotion materials as well as have your cidery and special events listed. Visit www.nationalcidermonth.com to learn more, register, and get involved. Scroll to the bottom and click Participate in NCM to start the sign up process.

Let’s work together to make sure it’s cider’s time!

National Cider Month Website
Posted in Pick Cider and tagged ,

Unlocking Cider Education: A New Study Resource Partnership Between ACA and Press Then Press

By Woodley Smith | August 20, 2025 |

The American Cider Association (ACA) is proud to announce a new partnership with Press Then Press, a leading online cider retailer with a passion for education and community-building. This collaboration is centered around one shared goal: making cider and cider education more accessible to enthusiasts, professionals, and Certified Cider Professional™ (CCP) candidates across the country.

Through this partnership, Press Then Press will now offer curated study boxes with resources and digital downloads supplied directly from the American Cider Association. This partnership supports the Certified Cider Professional™ Program, starting with Level 1, Certified Cider Guide™ and carrying through to L2, Certified Pommelier™. These materials include practice exam questions, completed sensory analysis forms, sensory videos, and other helpful tools designed to build confidence and cider knowledge in a flexible, engaging format.

Why It Matters

The Certified Cider Professional™ Program is the first and only certification program dedicated to the international cider industry. It empowers service professionals, retailers, distributors, and cider lovers with the knowledge to confidently understand and share the nuances of cider, from apple varieties and production methods to food pairing and sensory evaluation.

By teaming up with Press Then Press, the ACA is extending the reach of these resources and giving learners a trusted shipping hub to find the large array of ciders needed for sensory evaluation expertise.

More resources are on the way, including enhanced digital tools, flashcard decks, and sensory evaluation aids.

Where to Find It

Visit the Press Then Press website to explore cider bundle options and visit the American Cider Association website for the growing catalog of CCP-certified resources.

Together, We’re Building a Stronger Cider Community

This partnership marks a major step forward in making cider education approachable and enjoyable for all. Whether you’re brushing up your knowledge or taking the next step in your cider career, ACA and Press Then Press are here to support your journey.

Posted in CCP, Certified Pommelier and tagged , , ,

September 15: Level 1 Certified Cider Guide Workshop in Sydney, Australia

By Woodley Smith | August 1, 2025 |

Join us in Sydney, Australia on September 15!

The world’s finest cider education programme, the Certified Cider Professional (CCP) Programme, will be in Australia for two Level 1: Certified Cider Guide (CCG) classroom sessions! The first will take place at Tafe! Ultimo in Sydney on Monday 15 September. Leisurely run over the course of a day, this L1 CCG training has been developed specifically for those who work directly with consumers and trade customers, namely those working in retail and hospitality, importers, distributors, wholesalers and employees of cider producers. It is also the programme for cider fans, aficionados and drinkers can showcase their extra weight of knowledge and passion. It is designed to enable participants to have a professional standard of knowledge and appreciation for different types of cider and how they are achieved, an approach to assessing cider and the different sensorial qualities they have, and guidance on the best practice principles for serving, storing and selling.

Candidates will receive an email containing a downloadable study guide and a link to the online exam in advance of the workshop. The day itself will consist of a presentation of the materials from the study guide, with extra elaboration and, of course, the opportunity for questions. There will also be a guided sensory session of at least three ciders clearly demonstrating the key structural characteristics within cider, and utilising a structured approach to their assessment.

The topics covered in Level 1: CCG are:

  • Apples, Pears and Orchards
  • Cider Production
  • Families and Flavour
  • Evaluating Cider
  • Keeping and Serving
  • Cider and Food
  • Social Responsibility

Schedule:
12:45 PM: Arrival and Check-in
1:00 – 4:00 PM: Presentation
4:00 – 5:00 PM: Tasting Experience
5:00 – 5:45 PM: Take the online CCG 1 test (bring your own laptop)

Cost: $189 USD per person (ACA Members can find their discount code in the Resource Hub.)

Posted in CCP and tagged , , ,

September 11: From Orchard to Label: Cider Compliance Essentials

By Woodley Smith | July 31, 2025 |

This webinar will walk through the most common compliance issues cider producers face when they have a TTB investigation.  We will discuss key TTB compliance issues such as carbonation and alcohol thresholds, proper labeling and flavor designations, formula approval, when a COLA is required, and common tax class errors. We’ll also touch on record keeping, standard of fill updates, and what brewers need to know when making cider. Overall, this session provides practical insights to help you stay on the right side of TTB rules and regulations.

About Our Speaker:

Aniko Kasprian is the Industry Education Technical Advisor in the Office of Outreach at TTB. Previously, Ms. Kasprian was part of the Office of Special Operations group, where she worked as a Special Operations Investigator for 4 years working on FAA Trade Practice cases. Ms. Kasprian was also an investigator for the Western II District for 6 years, primarily focusing on wine and tobacco.  Before joining TTB, Aniko served in the United States Air Force and was a Special Agent for the Department of Homeland Security. Ms. Kasprian’s primary area of expertise is in the alcohol industry. Ms. Kasprian has a BA in International Relations and Foreign Policy and an MS in Criminology with a focus on Forensic Profiling.

Register Now!
Posted in Membership, TTB, Webinar and tagged ,

BREAKING NEWS! Bubble Tax Modernization Act Reintroduced in Congress!

By Jenn Root Martell | July 23, 2025 |

The American Cider Association (ACA) is excited to share that the Bubble Tax Modernization Act was reintroduced in the House of Representatives as H.R. 4613 on July 22, 2025 by Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (D-OR-6) and Congressman Derrick Van Orden (R-WI-3), with original co-sponsorship from Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA-16) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19). The full press release can be read here.

What Is the Bubble Tax Modernization Act?

While the “Bubble Bill” or “Bubble Tax Bill” does not alter the excise tax structure for fruited ciders, it takes an important step toward parity by aligning allowable carbonation levels with those permitted for wines and meads—raising the limit from 0.39 CO₂/100ml to 0.64 CO₂/100ml.

The ACA has been working to get this bill reintroduced for quite some time as this technical change would allow producers greater flexibility to craft a wider variety of carbonated ciders without triggering the burdensome “Bubble Tax”—which can add up to $3.40 per gallon.

Help Us Keep the Momentum Going!

Now that the Bubble Bill has been introduced in the House, our next step is to recruit champions in the Senate and work toward reintroduction there before the end of the fiscal year.

In the meantime, we need your help! Your Members of Congress need to hear from you so they can consider adding their support. Please use the link below to contact your Congressional Representatives and add your voice to this important industry effort:

👉Click here to email your representatives!

Thank you for helping spread the word and pushing for this critical change for the cider industry! Stay tuned for more advocacy updates and action alerts as the Bubble Bill moves through Congress. For questions, please reach out to Jenn Root Martell at jenn@ciderassociation.org.

Posted in Advocacy and tagged ,

“Hard Cider Guy” Adrian Luna- Verduga Joins American Cider Association as Licensed Educator in the Northeast

By Woodley Smith | July 21, 2025 |

The American Cider Association (ACA) is pleased to introduce Adrian Luna-Verduga, widely known in the cider community as the Hard Cider Guy, as the newest Licensed Cider Educator serving New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. A passionate advocate, Certified Pommelier™, and content creator, Adrian brings an enthusiastic and relatable voice for cider education.

Adrian’s cider journey began during a two-year road trip across the U.S. and Canada, where he and two friends chronicled their experiences exploring regional cider scenes. Adrian’s ability to translate cider culture into accessible, fun, and informative content has earned him a strong following and the respect of cider lovers and professionals alike.

As a Licensed Educator, Adrian will be offering ACA’s Level 1 Certified Cider Guide (CCG) certification workshops, helping beverage professionals and enthusiasts alike deepen their understanding of cider styles, service, and sensory evaluation. His appointment supports ACA’s mission to grow appreciation for cider and expand access to high-quality, standardized cider education across the world.

“Adrian embodies what we look for in a cider educator: curiosity, generosity, and a deep commitment to helping people connect with cider in meaningful ways,” said Jennie Dorsey, ACA’s Director of Education. “His energy is infectious, and his presence in the Northeast will be a huge asset to the cider community there.”

Adrian is based in the Northeast and is currently booking sensory sessions and workshops. For more information or to inquire about hosting a Certified Cider Professional training, visit our website.

For NE-specific inquiries, reach out to Adrian directly at Adrian@ciderassociation.org.

For all other inquiries, contact Jennie Dorsey at Jennie@ciderassociation.org.

Are You a Certified Pommelier Interested in Teaching?

We’re always looking for enthusiastic cider professionals to join our network of Certified Cider Professional Licensed Educators. If you’re a Certified Pommelier™ passionate about sharing your knowledge, we’d love to connect.

Contact Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org to learn how you can get involved.

Posted in CCP and tagged , , , ,

July 2025 Market Insights from Sightlines: Cross-Category Insights You Can Use

By Woodley Smith | July 9, 2025 |

Each month, consumer insights platform Sightlines will share one quick hit you can use to make confident decisions. Remember, ACA members get 50% off a Sightlines subscription. Find the discount code in the Resource Hub.

Getting Creative With On-Premise Sales Channels

No doubt the on-premise is a critical sales lane for cider—that’s nothing new. But thinking about that stalwart channel through the lens of other categories like wine or non-alcoholic beer can unlock creative opportunities. 

Craft brewery taprooms and spirits tasting rooms offer one example. These establishments tend to specialize in one type of alcohol—but drinkers are increasingly demanding more variety. It opens up space for cidermakers to place their products in other manufacturers’ spaces, helping them fill gaps without having to make the liquid themselves.

It’s something non-alcoholic beer brands have been able to capitalize on: A Craft Beer Professionals survey, conducted this April, found that small breweries are 370% more likely to say they’re offering a non-alcoholic beer made by another company than they were just six years ago. This makes sense. Members of Craft Beer Professionals are small breweries; 63% produce less than 500 barrels of beer annually. They likely don’t have the capacity, expertise, or equipment to make quality NA beer (or cider) on-site. Yet they recognize these are beverages drinkers have come to expect in 2025. This can extend to beer bars or distilleries as well, with a myriad of benefits for a cidermaker that go beyond sales. 

Offering packaged or draft options from another producer has benefits for both the retailer and the “guest” brand: 

  • The on-premise account attracts a larger set of customers, particularly those in group occasions. Show us a group of six friends in which at least one person doesn’t like or can’t tolerate a given type of alcohol.
  • Management can observe the ordering behavior of a more diverse set of drinkers—not just their existing, dedicated fans.
  • For suppliers of the “guest” brand being served, the taproom is a place to gain consumer traction. It’s an ideal environment to win a new cider drinker with an educated staff and a vibrant social setting. Your cider brand might be one of 15 on the grocery shelf, but it could be the sole option at a brewery’s taproom.

But cider can extend this thinking beyond mere taprooms, beer bars, and distilleries. Thinking like another category might open unique on-premise angles: A spirits brand is often eager to be used in a signature cocktail, for example. Why not the same for a cider spritz? Wine brands strive to be recommended by the glass as a pairing with a particular dish; again, why not the same for a cider? 

Cribbing strategies from other categories is a fresh way to approach on-premise accounts with creative ideas—and to win new drinkers. 

Posted in Market Data, Membership and tagged

ACA Members Scoop Up Multiple Awards from Northwest Cider Cup and Cidercraft Magazine Awards

By Woodley Smith | July 8, 2025 |

Both the Northwest Cider Cup and Cidercraft Magazine recently announced award winners following their competitions and, once again, ACA members put on an excellent showing, garnering awards across every style category. Members bringing home awards from these prestigious competitions are:

Northwest Cider Cup

Cidercraft Magazine Awards

Posted in Awards and tagged ,

Sixteen New Certified Pommeliers Join the Ranks of Global Cider Experts

By Woodley Smith | June 25, 2025 |

The American Cider Association is proud to welcome sixteen new Certified Pommeliers to our growing international community of cider professionals. These individuals earned their certifications at recent exams held in Frankfurt, Germany; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Los Angeles, California, proving once again that cider education is going global.

As cider’s presence on menus and shelves continues to expand, formal training and credentialing are more important than ever. Whether you’re behind the bar, designing a beverage program, or guiding tastings, cider knowledge isn’t just an asset—it’s a necessity.

“We’re thrilled to welcome these Certified Pommeliers to our vibrant and growing community,” said Jennie Dorsey, ACA Director of Education and Program Development. “Each one of them brings a passion for cider and a commitment to excellence that is helping shape the future of the industry.”

Meet the New Class of Certified Pommeliers

Please join us in congratulating the following individuals on achieving this rigorous certification:

Each Certified Pommelier has completed a demanding exam that includes theory, written responses, and blind sensory analysis. Their achievement represents not only personal dedication but also a commitment to advancing the cider category at large.

Why Certified Pommelier Matters

The Certified Pommelier designation is more than a title—it’s a testament to deep expertise and the ability to elevate cider service at every level.

From restaurant dining rooms to tasting rooms, beverage distributors to educators, Certified Pommeliers bring:

  • In-depth knowledge of global cider traditions and production methods
  • Expertise in pairing cider with food in innovative, memorable ways
  • Sensory skills that rival top-level wine or beer professionals
  • A competitive edge in hiring, advancement, and industry leadership

“We know that top dining experiences are built on knowledgeable, confident service—and cider deserves to be part of that conversation,” said ACA CEO Monica Cohen. “Our Certified Cider Professional program ensures that hospitality leaders are prepared to showcase cider’s full potential and deliver elevated experiences to every guest.”

About the Certified Cider Professional Program

The Certified Cider Professional (CCP) Program is the world’s leading cider education pathway, offering two levels of certification:

To support learners, the ACA offers a growing suite of resources, including webinars, study guides, and the newly updated Certified Pommelier textbook (2nd edition). 

Ready to Join the Ranks?

Upcoming Level 2 Certified Pommelier exams are scheduled for:

If you’re ready to take your cider knowledge to the next level—or you’re just getting started with Level 1—visit ciderassociation.org/certification for more details, prep materials, and registration info.

For questions, reach out to Jennie Dorsey, ACA’s Director of Education and Program Development.

Congratulations to our new Certified Pommeliers—we can’t wait to see how you’ll shape the future of cider!

Posted in CCP, Certified Pommelier and tagged , , ,

ACA Introduces Preferred Vendor Program

By Monica Cohen | June 4, 2025 |

At the ACA, we know your bottom line matters and that you do better when the businesses you work with do better for you. That’s why we’re excited to launch the ACA Preferred Vendor Program: a growing lineup of businesses offering exclusive discounts for ACA members.

How It Works

We’ve done the legwork—negotiating deals with suppliers who want to support cidermakers like you with real savings on products and services you already use (or might want to use). Take advantage of our Preferred Vendor Program to enjoy:

  • Exclusive discounts for ACA members
  • Suppliers who understand your business
  • Opportunities to save on tools, services, and materials

Newly Added Discounts:

  • 25% Off Your First Year of Beer30
  • Free Consultation & 10% Off Flat Fee Projects from Beer Law Center
  • 10% Discount for all Classes & Workshops from the Cider Institute
  • One Free Job Posting Per Year from Ciderpros.com
  • 5% Off from Fountain City Logistics
  • 5%-10% Off First Shipment from MyFreightWorld
  • 10% Off First Design Project from Seathirst Creative
  • 50% Off Annual Subscription from Sightlines
  • 1/2 Off Setup and First Month Free from Tapwyse
  • Savings of $3.00/case on Regulatory Fees from Vinoshipper
  • 10% Off Orders from Wine Shipping Boxes

Check them all out on our Preferred Vendors Page and find links and codes for their exclusive deals for ACA members in the Resource Hub.

Becoming a Preferred Vendor

If you know a great company that supports your work and might be a good fit send them our way! Better yet, if you are a business that wants to participate, fill out this FORM and let us know. We’d be glad to bring you into the fold to pass benefits on to the whole cider community. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to our Director of Member Relations Woodley Smith at woodley@ciderassociation.org.

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged ,