Introduction
The farm-to-bottle cider industry has seen significant growth in recent years as consumers increasingly seek out authentic, locally-produced beverages. Orchard integration is a key factor in ensuring the quality and sustainability of cider production, with many cider producers owning their own orchards to control the entire production process from growing the apples to bottling the cider. In this report, we will explore the top 10 farm-to-bottle cider producers based on their level of orchard integration.
1. Angry Orchard
Background
Angry Orchard is one of the largest and most well-known farm-to-bottle cider producers in the United States. The company owns over 60 acres of orchards in New York’s Hudson Valley, where they grow a variety of apple varieties for their ciders.
Financial Data
Angry Orchard reported revenue of $100 million in 2020, making them a major player in the cider industry. Their orchard integration allows them to control every step of the production process, ensuring high-quality ciders for consumers.
2. Virtue Cider
Background
Virtue Cider is known for its focus on traditional cider-making techniques and its commitment to sustainability. The company owns orchards in Michigan where they grow heirloom apple varieties for their ciders.
Financial Data
Virtue Cider reported revenue of $5 million in 2020, a testament to the growing popularity of craft ciders. Their orchard integration allows them to produce unique and high-quality ciders that stand out in the market.
3. West County Cider
Background
West County Cider is a small, family-owned farm-to-bottle cider producer based in Massachusetts. The company owns over 100 acres of orchards where they grow organic apples for their ciders.
Financial Data
West County Cider reported revenue of $1 million in 2020, showing that even small producers can thrive in the cider industry. Their focus on organic farming and orchard integration sets them apart in the market.
4. Finnriver Farm & Cidery
Background
Finnriver Farm & Cidery is based in Washington state and is known for its diverse range of ciders made from organic apples grown on their own orchards.
Financial Data
Finnriver Farm & Cidery reported revenue of $3 million in 2020, showcasing the demand for organic and locally-produced ciders. Their orchard integration allows them to experiment with different apple varieties and cider-making techniques.
5. Tieton Cider Works
Background
Tieton Cider Works is a family-owned cider producer in Washington state that owns over 300 acres of orchards where they grow a wide variety of apple varieties for their ciders.
Financial Data
Tieton Cider Works reported revenue of $2 million in 2020, highlighting their success in the competitive cider market. Their orchard integration allows them to produce ciders with unique flavor profiles that appeal to a wide range of consumers.
6. Eve’s Cidery
Background
Eve’s Cidery is a small producer in New York that focuses on crafting artisanal ciders from apples grown on their own orchards.
Financial Data
Eve’s Cidery reported revenue of $500,000 in 2020, showing that even boutique producers can find success in the cider industry. Their commitment to orchard integration and traditional cider-making techniques sets them apart from larger producers.
7. Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse
Background
Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse is based in British Columbia, Canada, and is known for its sustainable farming practices and high-quality ciders made from apples grown on their own orchards.
Financial Data
Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse reported revenue of $1.5 million in 2020, showcasing their success in the Canadian cider market. Their orchard integration allows them to produce ciders that reflect the unique terroir of their orchards.
8. Snowdrift Cider Co.
Background
Snowdrift Cider Co. is based in Washington state and is known for its focus on traditional cider-making techniques and high-quality apples grown on their own orchards.
Financial Data
Snowdrift Cider Co. reported revenue of $2.5 million in 2020, demonstrating their strong presence in the cider market. Their orchard integration allows them to produce ciders that appeal to a wide range of consumers.
9. Stem Ciders
Background
Stem Ciders is based in Colorado and is known for its innovative approach to cider-making, using a variety of apple varieties grown on their own orchards.
Financial Data
Stem Ciders reported revenue of $3.5 million in 2020, highlighting their success in the growing craft cider market. Their orchard integration allows them to experiment with different flavors and styles of cider to meet consumer demand.
10. Big Hill Ciderworks
Background
Big Hill Ciderworks is a family-owned cider producer in Pennsylvania that owns over 50 acres of orchards where they grow a variety of apple varieties for their ciders.
Financial Data
Big Hill Ciderworks reported revenue of $1.5 million in 2020, showing their strong presence in the competitive cider market. Their orchard integration allows them to produce ciders that showcase the unique flavors of Pennsylvania apples.
In conclusion, orchard integration is a key factor in the success of farm-to-bottle cider producers, allowing them to control the quality and sustainability of their ciders. The top 10 cider producers highlighted in this report demonstrate the diverse range of companies that are thriving in the cider industry with their own orchards and innovative approaches to cider-making.