The popularity of craft beverages has grown immensely in the past 20 years, and hard cider quickly has become one of the fastest-growing sectors within this industry.

From 2008 to 2016, the number of hard cider drinkers increased nationally from 6.8 million to 24.5 million. The popularity of hard cider can be explained by its characteristics that make it appealing to various groups of consumers.

Similar to beer and made like wine, hard cider appeals to both men and women. Hard cider is naturally gluten-free, providing consumers with gluten intolerance or celiac disease an alternative to beer and wine.

The Michigan Apple Committee is supportive of the hard cider industry and its work with Michigan apple growers, says Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee.

“Demand generated from Michigan cideries creates an additional revenue source for local farmers and often uses apples that may not otherwise be sold any other way,” says John Behrens, president of the Michigan Cider Association. "Cider also gets consumers thinking about apples at a place they have never considered them before.”

There are more than 80 wineries and cideries that produce hard cider in Michigan. Michigan cider makers work with Michigan apple farmers to grow specific cider apple varieties that are needed to produce hard cider.

Many of the apple varieties produced in Michigan, such as Cortland, Winesap and Northern Spy, are used to give hard cider a unique, sweet yet acidic taste. Cider makers feel the best ciders present a blend of tannin, acidity and sweetness using a variety of apples, Behrens says. They often will come up with their own blends of varieties to achieve a unique flavor.

“The demand for locally produced food and beverages grows every day,” Smith says. “Cider makers based in Michigan are fortunate to have access to a large supply and vast array of locally grown apples.”

Consumers can support Michigan apples and Michigan-produced hard ciders not only in retail stores and cider mills, but also at restaurants and bars.

“Seek out a Michigan cider and discover a new favorite beverage,” Behrens says. “Michigan cider uses more Michigan-grown ingredients than either the beer or wine industries, so by choosing Michigan cider, consumers are acting as great supporters of local agriculture.”

Source: The Michigan Apple Committee, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.