Introduction
Cider has been a popular beverage for centuries, traditionally made from fermented apple juice. However, in recent years, cider makers have been experimenting with unusual and exotic ingredients to create unique and innovative flavors. In this report, we will explore the top 10 cider brands that use unusual or exotic ingredients, providing insights into their financial performance, industry trends, and market positioning.
1. Angry Orchard – Rose Cider
Overview
Angry Orchard is a well-known cider brand that has gained popularity for its innovative flavors. One of their most unique offerings is their Rose Cider, which is made with red flesh apples for a pink hue and a subtle floral aroma. This cider has gained a strong following among consumers looking for a refreshing and slightly sweet option.
Financial Data
Angry Orchard, owned by the Boston Beer Company, reported a revenue of $189.9 million in 2020, with a market share of 36.7% in the US cider market.
Industry Insights
The rise of flavored ciders, like Angry Orchard’s Rose Cider, has contributed to the growth of the cider market, appealing to a younger demographic and expanding the category beyond traditional apple-based options.
2. Woodchuck Hard Cider – Smoked Apple
Overview
Woodchuck Hard Cider is known for its innovative flavors, including their Smoked Apple cider. This unique offering combines the sweetness of apples with a hint of smokiness, creating a complex and intriguing flavor profile that sets it apart from other ciders on the market.
Financial Data
Woodchuck Hard Cider, owned by the Vermont Cider Company, reported a revenue of $32.5 million in 2020, with a market share of 6.3% in the US cider market.
Industry Insights
The success of Woodchuck’s Smoked Apple cider highlights the growing demand for craft ciders with unique and unexpected flavor combinations, appealing to consumers who are looking for something different from the traditional cider offerings.
3. Strongbow – Dark Fruit
Overview
Strongbow is a well-established cider brand that has recently introduced a Dark Fruit cider variant. This cider combines the tartness of apples with the sweetness of dark fruits like blackcurrants and blackberries, creating a rich and flavorful beverage that has been well-received by consumers.
Financial Data
Strongbow, owned by Heineken International, reported a revenue of $72.3 million in 2020, with a market share of 14% in the UK cider market.
Industry Insights
The introduction of Strongbow’s Dark Fruit cider reflects the trend towards fruit-infused ciders, offering consumers a more diverse range of flavor options and driving growth in the cider market.
4. Crispin Cider – Pear Cider
Overview
Crispin Cider is known for its high-quality ciders made from fresh-pressed apples and pears. One of their standout offerings is their Pear Cider, which features the sweetness of ripe pears with a crisp and refreshing finish. This cider has gained a loyal following for its unique flavor profile.
Financial Data
Crispin Cider, owned by the MillerCoors company, reported a revenue of $21.8 million in 2020, with a market share of 4.2% in the US cider market.
Industry Insights
The success of Crispin’s Pear Cider highlights the growing popularity of fruit-infused ciders, as consumers seek out new and interesting flavor combinations in the cider category.
5. Wyder’s Cider – Prickly Pineapple
Overview
Wyder’s Cider is known for its bold and adventurous flavor combinations, including their Prickly Pineapple cider. This unique offering blends the tropical sweetness of pineapple with a hint of prickly pear cactus, creating a refreshing and exotic cider that appeals to adventurous consumers.
Financial Data
Wyder’s Cider, owned by Vermont Cider Company, reported a revenue of $15.2 million in 2020, with a market share of 2.9% in the US cider market.
Industry Insights
The success of Wyder’s Prickly Pineapple cider demonstrates the growing demand for ciders that offer unique and unexpected flavor combinations, catering to consumers who are looking for a more adventurous drinking experience.
6. Austin Eastciders – Blood Orange Cider
Overview
Austin Eastciders is a craft cider brand known for its innovative and flavorful offerings. One of their standout ciders is their Blood Orange Cider, which combines the tartness of apples with the citrusy sweetness of blood oranges, creating a bright and vibrant beverage that has gained a loyal following.
Financial Data
Austin Eastciders reported a revenue of $10.5 million in 2020, with a market share of 2% in the US cider market.
Industry Insights
The success of Austin Eastciders’ Blood Orange Cider reflects the trend towards citrus-infused ciders, as consumers seek out bold and refreshing flavor profiles in the cider category.
7. Rekorderlig – Wild Berries Cider
Overview
Rekorderlig is a Swedish cider brand known for its premium fruit ciders. One of their most popular offerings is their Wild Berries Cider, which combines the sweetness of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a rich and flavorful beverage that has gained a strong following among consumers.
Financial Data
Rekorderlig reported a revenue of $28.7 million in 2020, with a market share of 5.6% in the UK cider market.
Industry Insights
The success of Rekorderlig’s Wild Berries Cider highlights the growing demand for fruit-infused ciders with bold and complex flavor profiles, appealing to consumers who are looking for a premium drinking experience.
8. Original Sin – Cherry Tree Cider
Overview
Original Sin is a craft cider brand known for its small-batch ciders made from high-quality ingredients. One of their unique offerings is their Cherry Tree Cider, which combines the sweetness of cherries with a crisp apple base, creating a balanced and flavorful beverage that has garnered a loyal following.
Financial Data
Original Sin reported a revenue of $5.9 million in 2020, with a market share of 1.1% in the US cider market.
Industry Insights
The success of Original Sin’s Cherry Tree Cider reflects the trend towards fruit-infused ciders with natural and authentic flavors, appealing to consumers who appreciate the craftsmanship and quality of small-batch producers.
9. JK’s Farmhouse Ciders – Scrumpy
Overview
JK’s Farmhouse Ciders is a family-owned cider brand that specializes in traditional and artisanal ciders. One of their standout offerings is their Scrumpy cider, a farmhouse-style cider made with a blend of bittersweet apples for a dry and complex flavor profile that has earned a loyal following.
Financial Data
JK’s Farmhouse Ciders reported a revenue of $2.3 million in 2020, with a market share of 0.4% in the US cider market.
Industry Insights
The success of JK’s Farmhouse Ciders’ Scrumpy cider showcases the appeal of traditional and heritage cider styles, as consumers seek out authentic and artisanal options in the cider category.
10. Seattle Cider Company – Basil Mint Cider
Overview
Seattle Cider Company is known for its innovative and creative cider offerings. One of their most unique ciders is their Basil Mint Cider, which combines the herbaceous notes of basil and mint with the sweetness of apples, creating a refreshing and aromatic beverage that has gained a loyal following.
Financial Data
Seattle Cider Company reported a revenue of $4.6 million in 2020, with a market share of 0.9% in the US cider market.
Industry Insights
The success of Seattle Cider Company’s Basil Mint Cider highlights the growing trend towards herbal-infused ciders, as consumers seek out innovative and flavorful options in the cider category.
In conclusion, the cider market is evolving with the introduction of unique and exotic ingredients that cater to consumers’ changing tastes and preferences. These top 10 cider brands with unusual or exotic ingredients are leading the way in innovation and creativity, driving growth and excitement in the cider industry.
