Cider has a long history dating back thousands of years. Many historians believe that cider production began as early as the Iron Age in Northern Europe. Early European settlers brought cider-making traditions with them when they colonized North America in the 17th century. Cider became an extremely popular beverage in America and helped turn the young nation into one of the world's largest cider producers by the late 18th century. During this time, cider production in America far outpaced beer, wine and spirits production combined.
Peak Popularity in Rural America
Due to its ease of production using locally sourced ingredients, cider remained the beverage of choice for many rural families well into the 19th century. Cider was seen as a safer alternative to water, which was often contaminated. With an abundant supply of apples on family farms across New England and the Mid-Atlantic, nearly every homestead had an apiary where they crushed apples into sweet, refreshing cider. Community cider presses allowed neighbors to come together and turn their apple harvests into cider. At its peak in the early 1800s, Americans consumed over 7 gallons of hard cider per person annually.
Prohibition and Decline
Unfortunately for cider lovers, the popularity and cultural significance of cider was dealt a crushing blow in the early 20th century with the advent of Prohibition in 1920. With all alcoholic beverages banned, cider production and consumption plummeted overnight. Following Prohibition's repeal in 1933, cider failed to regain its former widespread appeal. Beer regained its spot as America's beverage of choice as mass-produced brands dominated the market. Cider production became a fading memory except in a handful of remaining traditional cider regions.
Revitalization Through Craft Ciders
In the late 20th century, a craft cider revival began to take shape, especially on the West Coast. Inspired by the cider traditions of Europe, new wave cidermakers began experimenting with tastier styles using distinctive local apple varieties. The craft industry received another shot in the arm in the 1990s with the establishment of America's first cider-specific festivals and competitions. This helped spread awareness of unique ciders and established taste standards among consumers.
Today's Booming Market
As of 2020, the growth of the American craft cider industry shows no signs of slowing down. There are now over 1,000 licensed cideries across the country. Sales of craft cider have increased by an average of 12% annually since 2010, significantly outpacing other beverage alcohol categories. The West Coast remains the epicenter of American cider production, being home to over half of all cideries, but new orchards and cideries are taking root all over the country. Modern cider makers take inspiration from the rich history of cider in America while advancing production techniques and developing exciting new styles. With its inherent appeal as a lower alcohol, refreshing alternative to beer, experts predict cider has plenty more room for growth in the years ahead.
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Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
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