As the calendar year comes to a close, the American cider industry is marking a period defined by operational strain, policy pressure, and cautious optimism all the while with a leadership transition.
“This year has been one of challenge and growth for me personally, for our association, and for the greater cider industry,” wrote Monica Cohen in a letter to the industry this week, who is wrapping up her first year as CEO of the American Cider Association. “I stepped into this role knowing the work would matter. I didn’t yet know just how much resilience, creativity, and grit I’d witness across our community in such a short time.”
Cohen’s tenure began amid a difficult operating environment for cider producers. Tariffs continued to disrupt supply chains and raise input costs, while natural disasters affected orchards and cideries in multiple regions, underscoring the category’s reliance on agriculture and climate stability. At the same time, cider — like other beverage alcohol segments — faced heightened pressure from what industry leaders describe as a growing neo-prohibition movement.
“Like the rest of the beverage alcohol world, cider continues to face the pressures of a growing neo-prohibition movement that challenges our right to operate, market, and grow responsibly,” Cohen said. “None of this is easy…but it is real, and it is shaping how we move forward.”
Internally, Cohen said the ACA spent much of the year focusing on financial discipline and organizational sustainability. According to Cohen, the association tightened operations, prioritized cost savings, and worked to strengthen its long-term foundation. That effort coincided with the launch of a capital campaign aimed at stabilizing and expanding the association’s resources.
“Members large and small stepped up,” Cohen said. “They invested in the long-term financial health of the association and sent a powerful message of confidence in our shared future.”
Beyond finances, the ACA reported progress across several core programs. The Certified Cider Professional program expanded its reach and accessibility, with new licensed educators joining during the year. The program also entered new international markets, including Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and Canada.
Association membership also continued to grow, bringing additional producers, stakeholders, and advocates into the fold at a time when coordinated industry action has become increasingly important.
On the policy front, the ACA renewed its focus on federal advocacy, particularly around the so-called Bubble Tax Bill, legislation aimed at addressing tax inequities that disproportionately affect cider producers. The bill was reintroduced in the US House of Representatives this year and gained additional sponsors, according to the association. In parallel, the ACA launched a new advocacy alliance composed of cider members helping to fund the hiring of a professional lobbying firm. It was a move Cohen described as a critical step toward strengthening cider’s presence on Capitol Hill.
“This work will carry into 2026 and will be a major step forward in strengthening cider’s voice,” she said.
Despite the broader headwinds facing beverage alcohol, the cider category showed signs of renewed momentum in the marketplace. According to Cohen, hard cider in the US recorded growth in both dollar sales and volume during the year, a notable development as many adjacent categories struggled.
“Even amid industry headwinds, cider showed real momentum,” Cohen said. “It’s a meaningful return to growth and a clear signal that consumers continue to seek out what cider does best: flavor, authenticity, and connection to craft.”
She credited that performance to the efforts of producers across the country.
“That momentum belongs to the makers, growers, marketers, and champions who keep pushing this category forward,” Cohen said.
The industry’s next major gathering will come at CiderCon 2026, scheduled for Providence, Rhode Island. Cohen said the event will feature an expanded trade show, educational programming, tours, and tastings, with an emphasis on reconnecting the cider community after a demanding year.
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