As cider’s popularity continues to grow and an increasing number of cidermakers and styles enter the market, more professionals and enthusiasts are deepening their expertise through formal certification. The American Cider Association (ACA) is proud to announce that 16 individuals successfully passed the rigorous Certified Pommelier exam. Exams were administered in Frankfurt, Germany, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Los Angeles, California. This new class joins a growing community of international cider experts dedicated to elevating appreciation, knowledge, and service standards across the beverage and hospitality industries.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these Certified Pommeliers to our vibrant and growing community,” said Jennie Dorsey, ACA Director of Education and Program Development. “Each one of them brings a passion for cider and a commitment to excellence that is helping shape the future of the industry.”
Obtaining their certification are:
- Ryan Cannon (Cider Enthusiast) – Ventura, CA
- Emily Chebul (Benny Boy Brewing) – Los Angeles, CARio Connelly (Scion Cider) – Salt Lake City, UT
- Ted O’Neill (Retired Hobbyist) – St Louis, MO
- Beckett Vigh (Siciliano’s Specialty Beverage and Supply) – Grand Rapids, MI
- Andrew Schultz (Texas Corners Brewing Company) – Kalamazoo, MI
- Jeffrey Cottrell (Castle Museum of Saginaw County History) – Saginaw, MI
- Bird Peterson (Left Foot Charley) – Traverse City, MI
- Danielle Miller (Tandem Cider) – Traverse City, MI
- Josh Sejat (Alkemista LLC) – Utica, MI
- Scott Katsma (Seattle Cider) – Seattle, WA
- Ambrosia Borowski (Chicago Cider Week) – Chicago, IL
- Beatrix Swanson (independent writer and judge) – Helston, United Kingdom
- Jorn Meinderts (Vercierderij) – Schiedam, The Netherlands
- Hester van Sprang (Iessel Cider) – Deventer, The Netherlands
- Marin van Sprang (Iessel Cider) – Deventer, The Netherlands
Why This Certification Matters
In an industry where exceptional service and deep beverage knowledge set professionals apart, Certified Pommelier status offers a serious advantage—not just for cider specialists, but for food and beverage professionals of all kinds. Whether you’re a restaurant server, bar manager, sommelier, or beverage director, cider certification gives you:
- A deep understanding of a rapidly growing category
- The skills to deliver unforgettable food and cider pairings
- A credential that helps you stand out in hiring, promotion, and performance reviews
- Knowledge of global cider traditions and tasting techniques that rival wine or beer training
“We know that top dining experiences are built on knowledgeable, confident service—and cider deserves to be part of that conversation,” said ACA CEO Monica Cohen. “Our Certified Cider Professional Program ensures that hospitality leaders are prepared to showcase cider’s full potential and deliver elevated experiences to every guest.”
About the Certified Cider Professional Program
The Certified Cider Professional (CCP) Program is the world’s most comprehensive cider education and appreciation program. It is designed to empower professionals—especially those on the front lines of service and sales—with the knowledge and confidence to represent cider accurately and enthusiastically. The program starts with the Level 1 Certified Cider Guide (CCG) and progresses to the Level 2 Certified Pommelier designation. The Level 2 exam includes multiple rigorous components: written theory, short answer, fill-in-the-blank, essay questions, and a blind sensory evaluation based on taste and analysis.
To make cider knowledge more accessible, the ACA released a comprehensive textbook (now in its second edition) and offers a wide range of prep resources, including webinars and an active online study group.
Upcoming Exam Opportunities
The next Certified Pommelier exams will be held at the following locations:
October 6 – Potter’s Craft Cider in Charlottesville, Virginia
February 3 – CiderCon 2026 in Providence, Rhode Island
Those interested in either Level 1 or Level 2 certification can visit ciderassociation.org/certification to learn more or contact Jennie Dorsey, Director of Education and Program Development, with questions.
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