For farms and orchards, hard cider can be more than just another product on the shelf along with pies, fritters and produce. Instead, it can become a major part of the guest experience and a key revenue driver. At Eckert’s in Illinois, the addition of the Cider Shed helped transform how visitors engage with the farm, blending pick-your-own traditions with a craft beverage experiences that keep guests staying longer and spending more. In this episode of the Cider Business Podcast, Jerry Hearn shares how Eckert’s approached bringing cider production in-house, building agritainment around the process, and using hard cider to create stronger on-farm connections.
