Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/561374
w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m S e p t - O c t 2 015 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 7 7 that have expanded into cider as an additional product line. The Angry Orchard brand, for exam- ple, owned by Boston Beer Co., accounts for more than 60% vol- ume share of the U.S. cider seg- ment and continues to grow. "The cider industry has nearly quintupled – more than a 480% increase – in the last five years," said Angry Orchard cider maker Ryan Burk. "At Angry Orchard, we've seen a similar trend. So far this year, our annual growth rate is upwards of 130%. "Looking ahead, we are see- ing more and more tap handles for hard cider, but it's still relative- ly unknown to the average U.S. drinker," Burk said. "In parts of the United Kingdom, cider accounts for about 15% of the beer market, whereas in the U.S., it's only about 1%. We have a long way to go until American drinkers recognize cider like Europeans do, and we're excit- ed about the potential." CHANGING TASTES While hard cider is still a relative- ly small segment of the beverage alcohol industry, U.S. consumers are greatly boosting its profile as they increasingly pick up cider as an alternative to wine, beer or spirits. A continued interest in gluten- free foods is a contributing factor, as are expanding palates and a will- ingness to experiment with new products. The "buy local" move- ment also adds to cider's growing popularity, driven by an increase in availability and variety from region- al makers. This is especially true in top apple-growing states such as New York, Michigan, California, Oregon and Washington – which, not coincidentally, are also the top five states in terms of total num- ber of cideries, according to the Cyder Market. "Cider today is a lot like the craft beer world 30 years ago," Burk said. "In the past five years, drink- Angry Orchard cider maker Ryan Burk compares today's cider market to the craft beer market of three decades ago. Carlsen & Associates 707-431-2000 "As a five year old winery, Carlsen & Associates has been key to my growth. Each year I add another piece to the crush pad puzzle." "Great equipment, Sales and Service keep me coming back!" Stephen Morgan Saddlehorn Winery Burton, TX "