Cider Market 2025 Trends and Forecasts

As the global market for alcoholic beverages continues to diversify, cider stands out as a dynamic, fast-evolving category. Once perceived as a niche or seasonal product, cider has steadily expanded its reach and developed localized “cult followings” in various regions. Looking ahead to 2025, marketing leaders in the alcohol industry can anticipate further consumer demand for craft, premium, and regionally authentic cider options. Below is a data-driven look at the major trends shaping cider’s future - and how alcohol marketers can harness these opportunities.

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Momentum in North America: Craft and Regulatory Tailwinds

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Rapid Growth in Key States

Multiple market analyses project that North America will maintain a formidable share of global cider sales. Some forecasts attribute over 30% of worldwide cider and perry market revenue to North America, thanks to factors such as:

• State-Level Policy Shifts: New York recently reinstated direct-to-consumer shipping for cider producers, boosting visibility for local brands and improving their distribution reach. Ontario likewise introduced a multi-million-dollar marketing fund to strengthen its craft cider sector, coupled with grants to help local producers expand.
• Craft Community Support: Crowdfunding and local orchard-based ventures are proliferating. In Colorado, for example, producers are leveraging community investment to develop estate wineries and expand orchard acreage. These grassroots efforts capture consumer interest in artisanal methods and heritage apple varieties.

Seasonality and Two Peaks

IWSR data suggests cider has two pronounced consumption peaks in the US:

• Summer Spike (June to August): Warmer states like California, Texas, and parts of the Midwest see heightened demand for crisp, refreshing styles, often fueled by tourism and outdoor gatherings.
• Winter Uptick (Late Fall to Early New Year): Regions with colder climates (e.g., Washington, Vermont, the Northeast) lean on warmer or spiced cider-based beverages. This dual-peak pattern means marketers must plan region-specific, seasonal promotions to sustain sales year-round.

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Europe: Longstanding Stronghold, Evolving Outlook

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Despite competition from other RTDs (ready-to-drink beverages) and flavored malt options, Western Europe still makes up roughly half of global cider consumption by volume. The UK leads per-capita consumption, buoyed by a deeply ingrained cider heritage and diverse product offerings.

Key Opportunities

• Heritage & Innovation: European cider makers balance long traditions with modern twists (e.g., fruit-infused flavors, low-ABV formats). This dual approach fosters premium growth, attracting both established cider drinkers and curious younger consumers.
• Export Potential: While cider has historically been strong in the UK, Ireland, and select parts of continental Europe, consumers elsewhere remain open to exploring lesser-known categories. Brands aiming to export can leverage the UK’s “cider capital” reputation to market authenticity abroad.

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Premiumization Drives Value

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Across multiple markets - whether in Ontario, New York, or New England - there is a clear push toward premium and premium-plus ciders. While standard ciders still dominate total volumes, premium cider’s market share has grown notably since 2022.

Why Premiumization Matters

• Higher Margins: Premium variants often command better shelf prices and margins, attracting both larger producers aiming to diversify and smaller craft producers seeking brand distinction.
• Consumer Curiosity: Drinkers increasingly seek specialized products made from heritage apple varieties, sustainable orcharding practices, or barrel-aging techniques.
• Regional Branding: States like Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and provinces like Ontario lead in premium cider penetration. Authentic “farm-to-glass” narratives resonate with consumers who perceive these brands as more carefully crafted.

Marketing Tip: Position your premium cider line around the story of the orchard - its unique terroir, apple cultivars, or fermentation expertise. Demonstrate craftsmanship through tasting notes, limited-release batches, or collaborations (e.g., with local breweries or distilleries).

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Craft Segment: Fueling Innovation and Local Engagement

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Influence of Craft Beer Culture

Craft beer paved the way for artisanal beverages - cider is following a similar path. Small-batch cidermakers experiment with wild yeast fermentation, dry-hopping, or co-fermentations with berries and even wine grapes. This aligns with a broader consumer desire for authenticity and novel flavor experiences.

Local Branding & Tourism

Local cider trails, tasting rooms, and orchard-based events (e.g., harvest festivals) are on the rise. Regions like Montana and Vermont proudly promote their cider routes, highlighting synergy with agritourism. These experiences strengthen brand loyalty and generate user-generated content on social media, multiplying brand reach.

Marketing Tip: Partner with local tourism boards or orchard associations to create immersive experiences - from behind-the-scenes orchard tours to harvest parties. These events give your brand a distinctive storyline and direct face-time with consumers.

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Market Projections Through 2025

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• Global Upswing: Research suggests the global cider market could surpass $120 billion within the next decade, with North America playing a pivotal role in volume growth.
• Craft & Premium Edge: A continued increase in premium-plus ciders is likely, particularly in states/provinces with strong artisanal traditions and supportive legislation (New York, Ontario, Oregon, Washington).
• Seasonal Marketing: Expect the US’s double-peak seasonality to remain. That means more winter-specific releases (e.g., mulled or spiced ciders) and summer refreshers with orchard-fresh positioning.
• Regional Hotspots: Western Europe will still command a majority of global consumption, led by the UK. In the US, Washington, Vermont, California, and the Northeast corridor will continue to serve as bellwethers for cider innovation and craft movements.

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Read also: Alcohol Sales Guide - How to Increase Alcohol Sales

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Strategic Recommendations for Alcohol Marketers

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1. Diversify Your Portfolio
   • If you manage multiple beverage categories, consider adding a premium or craft cider line to capture the rising interest in artisanal, apple-based beverages.
   • Collaborate with orchardists or craft cideries that have strong local reputations and consumer trust.
2. Target Seasonal & Regional Peaks
   • Customize campaigns for summer and winter. Highlight refreshing cider styles in hot climates, while promoting spiced or barrel-aged ciders in colder months.
   • Use real-time analytics to identify shifts in local demand, then adjust distribution and digital marketing accordingly.
3. Leverage Regulatory Openings
   • Monitor emerging laws around direct shipping (DTC) or expanded retail channels (as in Ontario). Being among the first to optimize new routes to market can yield outsized benefits.
   • Engage with state/provincial government grants or marketing funds, such as Ontario’s $6 million investment for craft cideries, to subsidize promotional efforts.
4. Highlight Premium Credentials
   • Emphasize orchard provenance, unique apple varieties, or small-batch processes in your marketing.
   • Consider brand collaborations with adjacent craft producers (local honey, craft beer, or artisanal distillers) to create limited editions that appeal to premium-minded consumers.
5. Educate & Inspire
   • Host or sponsor cider tasting certifications (like the Certified Pommelier™ program) to build authority among on-premise professionals.
   • Develop training modules for retail staff, bartenders, or brand ambassadors to explain nuanced flavor profiles to curious customers.

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Final Thoughts

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Cider is no longer a sideline to craft beer or wine - it has carved out its own unique space in global markets. From Ontario’s marketing campaigns to the dual-season spikes in US demand, 2025 is poised to be a breakthrough year for those prepared to invest and innovate. By combining premium positioning with compelling local narratives, alcohol marketers can capitalize on cider’s evolving identity and reinforce it as a must-have product in their portfolios.

As you strategize for the upcoming year, keep an eye on legislative developments, nurture collaborations with orchard-based producers, and craft brand stories that bring fresh, regional experiences to life. By adopting these marketing best practices, you’ll be well-positioned to lead the cider category into its next phase of robust growth.