April 24: Live Sensory Analysis Webinar Featuring Milk & Honey ciders

By Woodley Smith | February 21, 2025 |

You’re invited to a Live Sensory Analysis Webinar on Thursday, April 24th, 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 Milk and Honey Ciders in Minnesota.

During this live practice session, you’ll learn how to analyze and appreciate cider like a pro and prep for your Certified Pommelier exam.

Not able to make it to the live event? No worries! The webinar will be recorded and available for you rewatch at any time with your initial purchase.

Cider must be purchased separately. Please be aware that it may take several days to receive your cider order, so we encourage you to purchase your ciders as soon as possible. Also, please verify that cider can be sent to your state before purchasing ciders. Ciders can be purchased directly from Milk & Honey Ciders by clicking here and choosing the Certified Pommelier Sensory Webinar Pack.

Cost to register for the webinar is $30 for non-members and $20 for ACA members.

Are you an ACA member? You can find your discount code in the resource hub by clicking here.

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email. This email is a placeholder for the event. The evening before the event you will receive an email with a Zoom link to the webinar. Please note this link will be sent to the registered email.

Register Now
Posted in CCP, Certified Pommelier and tagged , , , , , ,

April 23: Level 1 CCG Workshop in Frankfurt, Germany

By Woodley Smith | February 19, 2025 |

The American Cider Association (ACA) is excited to collaborate with CiderWorld and Frankfurter Landwirtschaftlicher Verein e.V. to host an in person workshop for the Certified Cider Professional (CCP) Program Level 1 Certified Cider Guide (CCG) at their fantastic venue on April 23, 2025 beginning at 9:00 AM.

This workshop is meant for all, and is the first level of the ACA’s in depth international cider education program, Certified Cider Professional Program.

We have a fantastic session planned, including a Certified Instructor led in person training, and an “introduction to sensory evaluation” tasting experience featuring the five cider families. Participants of this workshop will also be able to take the test online immediately after the training or take the test at a later date.

Cost per person is $189 which includes the in person training, instructor led tasting experience, downloadable study guide and online exam fee. Please note that ACA members will receive $50 off registration. Email Education Operations Manager Jennie Dorsey at jennie@ciderassociation.org for the member discount code.

This is a great opportunity for the Frankfurt hospitality community and the broader European cider community to gather in person to attend the workshop and achieve their Level 1 CCG certification.

All are welcome! Please share this event with anyone who sells cider, works in a tasting room or retail shop, chefs, sommeliers, cicerones, buyers and cidermakers who are interested in cider education or in adding a cider certification to their accreditation.

Cost: $189 US, $139 US for ACA Members (Discount code for members to use during checkout can be found here. You will be prompted to login to access the discount code.)

Timing for the Day

  • 8:45 am: Arrival and Check-in
  • 9:00 am: Presentation
  • 12:00 pm: Tasting Experience
  • 1:00 pm-1:30pm: Take the online CCG 1 exam (bring your own laptop)
Register Now!
Posted in CCP and tagged , , , ,

CiderCon® 2025 Fact Sheet

By Woodley Smith | February 14, 2025 |

CiderCon® 2025 took place from February 4 – 7 in Chicago, Illinois. This annual event, organized by the American Cider Association, serves as a leading conference for cider industry professionals from around the world. The conference, now in it’s 15th year, featured a rich program of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and an extensive trade show. Here is a brief overview of the key happenings at this year’s CiderCon®:

Key Highlights

  • Venue: The event was hosted at Chicago Hilton on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago.
  • Attendance: Around 850 cider industry professionals from around the globe attended including:
    • Attendees from 40 states with California, Washington, New York, Michigan & Illinois having the highest representation.
    • Attendees from 13 countries, including Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and a 7 person delegation from Chile, our Guest Cidermaking Country of Honor.
  • Workshops and Sessions:
    • Close to 40 educational sessions with 88 speakers covered topics such as cider production techniques, marketing strategies, sustainability practices, and cider business management.
    • The Cider Institute of North America helped to develop the Crafting Amazing Cider track sessions once again.
    • Ten tasting sessions highlighting everything from quince ciders to brewer’s yeast in cider to keeving to cider cocktails.
  • Scholarships:
    • The ACA hosted 5 recipients for their Cider is For Everyone Scholarship at CiderCon® 2025. This scholarship is designed to bring individuals from historically marginalized populations within the beverage industry to CiderCon® to increase the accessibility of cider education and catalyze the careers and ownership pathways of these burgeoning cider professionals.
  • Cider Share: 
    • Cider Share is the beloved opening reception of CiderCon®. This year Cider Share took place on February 5 and featured more than 60 cideries from around the country and the world pouring their ciders for CiderCon® attendees.
  • Experiences:
    • Five experiences were held on February 4 including a tour of the Field Museum, a pizza-making course, a cider cocktail course, a barrel to glass tour, and a cider-pairing dinner highlighting cidermakers from diverse backgrounds.
  • Keynote Speakers:
    • The ACA welcomed 3 keynote speakers on the morning of February 6. Scott Ramsey, Executive Director of the New York Cider Association, facilitated a “fireside chat” with New York Liquor Commissioner Lily Fan. They discussed how a liquor authority can work to support a sustainable craft cider industry and celebrate the recent historic win of a state bill that expanded market access for cidermakers in New York. Debbie Morrison of Yellow Belly Cidery and Sapsucker Farms in Minnesota shared how she and her husband Jim approach sustainability at their operations from multiple perspectives.
  • Certified Pommelier
    • The ACA once again offered its Certified Pommelier exam at CiderCon® 2025. The  Certified Pommelier is an advanced second-level designation of the ACA’s Certified Cider Professional program geared toward beverage and hospitality industry professionals. Close to 30 people sat for the challenging test that included a blind sensory evaluation section. The new cohort of Certified Pommeliers will be announced in 6 weeks.
  • Networking:
    • There were numerous networking opportunities at CiderCon® 2025, including a Newcomer Networking session, a LGBTQIA+ Cider Professional meetup, a Cider Institute of North America meetup, a Guild Leader’s meeting, and an Orcharding Meetup where attendees exchanged apple tree scion wood.
  • Trade Show:
    • Over 80 exhibitors displayed the latest equipment, products, and services tailored for the cider industry at the Trade Show sponsored by FruitSmart™. 
    • Vendors came from around the country and the world and featured several new vendors as well as many who have returned year after year to support the cider industry. 
  • Chicago Cider Week
    • CiderCon® 2024 once again coincided with Chicago Cider Week which featured cider-focused events across the city.

CiderCon® 2026 will be held in Providence, Rhode Island from February 3-6, 2026.

CiderCon® was created to offer the commercial hard cider industry an outlet to meet, share ideas, collaborate, and affect positive changes in cidermaking, apple and pear production, the cider market, and cider regulations. CiderCon® is organized by the American Cider Association whose mission is to grow a diverse and successful US. cider industry by providing valuable information, resources, and services to our members and by advocating on their behalf.

Posted in CiderCon and tagged , ,

ACA Announces New Membership Levels for Orchardists

By Woodley Smith | February 13, 2025 |

The American Cider Association (ACA) was thrilled to announce the introduction of new associate member levels specifically tailored for orchardists at CiderCon® 2025, alongside the launch of a dynamic new orcharding forum. This development is designed to support and enhance the community of those who cultivate the apples and other fruits that are fundamental to the cider industry.

New Associate Member Levels for Orchardists

In our continuous effort to foster growth and provide robust support for the cider industry, the ACA has introduced new associate membership levels that cater specifically to orchardists. These new levels are crafted to provide orchardists with benefits, resources, and networking opportunities that will support their invaluable contributions to the cider community.

New Membership Levels

  • Associate Member USDA Small Farms (<$500,000 GAS) $185
  • Associate Member USDA Commercial Farms (>$500,000 GAS) $375

Benefits of Membership:

  • Access to Expert Talks and Webinars: Stay informed with the latest trends, techniques, and research in orchard management and cider production.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with other orchardists and industry professionals through events and online communities.
  • Industry Insights and Reports: Receive in-depth reports and insights into market trends, helping you stay ahead in the evolving cider industry.
  • Discounts on ACA Events: Enjoy reduced rates on key industry events, allowing you to engage and learn without barriers.

Introducing the Orcharding Forum

To further empower our orchardists, we are delighted to launch the ACA Orcharding Forum. This online platform is a dedicated space for member orchardists to share knowledge, ask questions, and collaborate on best practices. Whether you are a seasoned orchardist or new to the field, the forum is a valuable resource for everyone involved in the cider supply chain. Participate in engaging conversations about apple varieties, orchard business management, orchard practices and find folks looking to buy and sell apples or juice for cider.

The launch of this forum marks a significant step in our commitment to supporting the orchardist community, ensuring they have a platform to learn, share, and grow together as well as connect with cidermakers around the country.

For details on how to use the forum, download our Orcharding Forum One-Pager.

Join Us Today

We invite all orchardists to explore these new opportunities at the American Cider Association. Whether you are interested in the new membership levels or eager to participate in the orcharding forum, there is something for everyone. Join us on this exciting journey as we continue to cultivate a vibrant and sustainable cider industry.

For more information on how to become a member, please visit the American Cider Association website or contact Membership & Engagement Coordinator Miranda Bradeen at miranda@ciderassociation.org.

Posted in Membership and tagged ,

2025 ACA Award Recipients

By Woodley Smith | February 12, 2025 |

The American Cider Association (ACA) Awards presented at CiderCon® 2025 shine a spotlight on the exceptional contributions within the cider community, celebrating those who have played pivotal roles in advancing the industry. The awards are divided into two distinct categories: Member Awards and Board Awards. The Member Awards reflect the collective gratitude of the ACA members, honoring partners in the beverage community who have been instrumental in introducing cider to new audiences. Meanwhile, the Board Awards recognize visionary leaders whose efforts have significantly propelled the U.S. cider industry forward. Together, these awards acknowledge the dedication, innovation, and passion that continue to drive the cider industry to new heights.

Member Awards

Board Awards

  • Apple Advocate of the Year:
    • William Mullan – For elevating the appreciation of the diversity of apples through his photography.
    • Kristen Richard – For elevating the apple in wine media (example here).
  • Excellence in Leadership in the Industry
    • Aaron Sarnoff-Wood, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Corvallis, OR for his tireless advocacy against neo-prohibition in Oregon.
  • Significant Impact on the Industry
    • Amy Stinson – Vermont Cider Company – For her legacy work to pass the CIDER Act.
    • Scott Ramsey – New York Cider Association – For his inspiring work to grow the New York Cider community, and his advocacy of S.2852A/A.3132A allowing direct to consumer shipping of cider in New York.
  • Member Appreciation Award
    • Benny Boy Brewing & Cider House – Los Angeles, CA: for being a champion of cider education and advocating for cider within the craft beverage community.
    • Nine Pin Cider Works – Albany, NY:  For their active participation in state and federal advocacy. 

Congratulations to all of this year’s award winners!

Posted in Awards and tagged ,

ACA Announces 2025 Board Election Results

By Woodley Smith | February 12, 2025 |

The American Cider Association (ACA) is excited to announce the results of our recent board elections. We welcome new and returning members who will continue to drive our mission to grow a diverse and successful U.S. cider industry.

New Appointments and Re-elections

We are pleased to announce the following individuals who have been elected to serve on the ACA board:

Tom Hart of Humboldt Cider Company in California has been elected as the new Regional Chair for the Pacific Coast. 

Scott Spelbring of Henway Hard Cider in Virginia has been named the new Regional Chair for the South. 

Christine Walter of Bauman’s Cider in Oregon has been re-elected to the At-Large seat. 

Eleanor Léger of Eden Ciders in Vermont has been re-elected as the Regional Chair for the East.

Ben Calvi of Vermont Cider Company has been re-elected to a Large Cidery seat

Executive Board

We are also pleased to announce the executive board members who will lead the ACA:

Gratitude for Past Service

We extend our heartfelt thanks to outgoing board member for the Pacific Coast Sarah Hemly and outgoing board member for the South David Glaize for their dedicated service on the ACA board. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the future of the cider industry, and we are grateful for their commitment and hard work.

We look forward to a productive year ahead with our newly appointed board members and executive team as we continue to champion the growth and success of the cider industry. 

Meet all of your ACA board members on our website.

Posted in Board, Membership and tagged ,

ACA Releases 3 New Cider Education Books

By Woodley Smith | January 21, 2025 |

The American Cider Association is thrilled to announce the release of three new books as part of its ongoing commitment to cider education. The first, The Draught Cider Manual and Study Guide by Ambrosia Borowski, is a thorough guide to draught beverage systems and how they operate. The book contains detailed descriptions of basic components, how they are put together to create both temporary and permanent draught systems, draught service, cleaning and maintenance, and trouble shooting. Throughout, Borowski discusses how the requirements for cider differ from those for beer, the most common draught beverage. The Draught Cider Manual and Study Guide will be an indispensable tool for anyone wanting to install or modify a draught system for cider. It will also serve as a study guide for the ACA’s new certification, Draught Cider Specialist, that will be launched later in 2025.

The ACA’s two other new titles are Cider Cocktails – Another Bite of the Apple, Second Edition and Apple Tales – Stories from the Orchard, both written by long-time ACA Education Committee member Darlene Hayes. The former is an updated version of Ms. Hayes’ previous book and includes a host of recipes for cocktails using a variety of ciders, including 16 new ones, as well as cider-containing appetizers to go with them. Useful for cider enthusiasts and the hospitality sector alike, this book expands the ways in which people can enjoy cider.

The third book, Apple Tales, tells the stories of 25 individual apple cultivars that are most frequently used to create single-named variety ciders such as Porter’s Perfection, Newtown Pippin, and Harrison. Ms. Hayes explores each apple’s history and places it in the larger historical context of culture, science, and agricultural advancement. She also includes varietal descriptions based on her extensive collection of cider tasting notes, a valuable addition to the understanding of the varietal characteristics of apples used in cider. 

All three books are available for purchase on the ACA website as well as on Amazon. Copies will also be available at CiderCon® 2025 at the ACA Bookstore.

Posted in CCP, Press Release and tagged , ,

March 26: Level 1 Certified Cider Guide Workshop & Certification in Hereford, England

By Woodley Smith | January 17, 2025 |

The world’s finest cider education programme, the Certfied Cider Professional (CCP) Programme, will be back again for another Level 1: Certified Cider Guide (CCG) classroom session on Wednesday 26 March 2025! This session will be undertaken in Hereford a day prior to the UK’s pre-eminent cider conference – CraftCon . Leisurely run over the course of a day by Gabe Cook (a.k.a. The Ciderologist) from 10:00 – 16:00, this Level 1 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 who want to 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 sensory 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 3 ciders clearly demonstrating the key structural characteristics within cider, and utilising a structured approach to their assessment.

Cost: $189 US, $139 US for ACA Members (Discount code for members to use during checkout can be found here. You will be prompted to login to access the discount code.)

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
Register Now!
Posted in CCP and tagged , , , ,

February 24: Level 1 Certified Cider Guide Workshop & Certification in Japan

By Woodley Smith | January 16, 2025 |

The world’s finest cider education program, the Certified Cider Professional (CCP) Program, is back again for another a Level 1: Certified Cider Guide (CCG) classroom session at Full Monty British Pub & Cider House in Yokohama on Monday 24 February. 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 program 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 sensory 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 utilizing a structured approach to their assessment.

Cost: $189 US, $139 US for ACA Members (Discount code to use during checkout can be found here. You will be prompted to login to access the discount code.)

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
Register Now!
Posted in CCP and tagged ,

Monica Cohen Appointed CEO of the American Cider Association

By Woodley Smith | January 16, 2025 |

Portland, OR – February 16, 2025 – The American Cider Association (ACA) is excited to announce the appointment of Monica Cohen as its Chief Executive Officer. Cohen, a seasoned executive with leadership roles within the food and beverage industry, succeeds Michelle McGrath, who will be stepping down after a highly successful tenure with the organization. 

Cohen, formerly a C-suite executive at Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), brings a wealth of expertise in organizational growth, brand development, and strategic leadership. At DFA, Cohen was instrumental in driving the company’s growth and establishing key partnerships that expanded its market reach. Her diverse background, combining agricultural industry experience with a deep understanding of consumer trends, makes her ideally positioned to lead the ACA into its next phase of development and success. 

“I am truly excited to join the American Cider Association at such a pivotal moment for the cider industry,” says Cohen. “With the rapid growth in consumer interest and the exciting innovation happening within the sector, I look forward to collaborating with cidermakers across the country to advance this vibrant industry and ensure its continued success. I also want to thank Michelle McGrath for her exceptional leadership and the incredible foundation she has laid for the ACA.” 

Cohen will focus on furthering the ACA’s advocacy efforts at both the federal and state levels, driving business development opportunities for cidermakers, and continuing to grow cider’s visibility among consumers. She also aims to strengthen the ACA’s role as a leading voice for the U.S. cider industry and expand educational initiatives to help cidermakers succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace. 

In announcing Cohen’s appointment, Christine Walter, President of the ACA Board of Directors, expresses confidence in the new CEO’s ability to lead the organization forward: “Monica’s extensive leadership experience, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to driving growth make her the ideal choice to lead the ACA. We are thrilled to welcome her and look forward to her vision for the future of the cider industry.” 

McGrath, who has served as the ACA’s CEO for the past eight years, will be departing the organization to pursue new opportunities. Under McGrath’s leadership, the ACA achieved significant milestones, including a major expansion in membership, enhanced industry advocacy, and increased visibility for craft cider. Her unwavering commitment to the cider community and her strategic direction have been integral to the growth of the industry.

“Michelle’s leadership has been instrumental in building the American Cider Association into the organization it is today,” says Walter. “Her passion for the cider industry and tireless efforts on behalf of our members have made a lasting impact. We are grateful for her dedication and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.” 

McGrath reflected on her time with the ACA, saying, “It has been an incredible honor to serve as the CEO of the American Cider Association. I am proud of all we’ve accomplished together and excited to see the continued success of the industry. I look forward to seeing where Monica’s leadership takes the ACA as it continues to grow and thrive.” 

As the ACA looks to the future, it remains committed to promoting and protecting the interests of cidermakers across the U.S., fostering innovation, and advocating for sound policies that benefit the sector. Cohen’s appointment represents a new chapter for the association as it continues to champion the U.S. cider industry and elevate its profile both domestically and internationally. 

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About the American Cider Association: 

The American Cider Association (ACA) is the national trade organization representing the cider industry in the United States. Founded in 2013, the ACA’s mission is to promote and protect the cider industry by supporting cider makers, advocating for public policies that support growth, and fostering innovation in cider production and distribution. The ACA is dedicated to growing the profile of American cider through advocacy, education, and collaboration with cider makers and industry stakeholders. 

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Woodley Smith 

Communications Manager

American Cider Association 

woodley@ciderassociation.org

www.ciderassociation.org

Posted in Executive Director, Press Release and tagged ,