
The coming year for the cidery industry can be described as a chance for significant opportunities while also understanding there will be notable challenges. As cider continues to carve out a unique identity alongside beer, wine, spirits, and other beverages, any new entrant to the industry over this past year or going forward means they must bring more than enthusiasm to the table — they need a deliberate, community-driven approach to stand out.
Understanding how to navigate evolving consumer preferences, quality expectations, and market dynamics will be critical, and cideries that have already seen this in motion shared with Brewer what newer companies can look toward. The dual focus of caring a lot for the craftsmanship of your brand along with being accountable for responsiveness to consumers are essential traits for cidery owners looking to thrive.
Bleecker Wheeler, founder and cider maker at Watson Wheeler Cider in Shaftsbury, Vermont, emphasizes the importance of unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.
“Take pride in your work, put your heart and soul into it, and don’t try to cut any corners,” Wheeler said.
He also said he believes that producing exceptional cider is not just about personal success but also about elevating the industry as a whole.
“The last thing our little sector of the booze industry needs is another mediocre cidery,” he said.
Wheeler urges newcomers to contribute meaningfully to cider’s reputation, cautioning that half-hearted efforts risk perpetuating misconceptions about the beverage.
“If you don’t give 100%, you’re doing a disservice to all of us cider makers,” he cautioned.
Toney Chay of The Ale and Cider House in Willamette, Oregon said a key for anyone — new or old — is the importance of adaptability and creating a community connection.
Looking back on his own experiences, Chay said that while initial plans might seem solid, they rarely withstand the test of real-world feedback.
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“We thought we knew exactly what our customers wanted, but we’ve learned that staying open to feedback and being willing to pivot your strategies is crucial,” he said.
Chay said for new cideries to engage actively with their local communities, collecting insights and building relationships that can guide their business forward.
“The only constant in business is change,” he said, adding that adaptability is a key to long-term success.
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