Ontario Strengthening the Province’s Craft Cider Industry

by ahnationtalk on September 4, 202443 Views

September 04, 2024

THORNBURY — The Ontario government is investing up to $6 million in the Ontario Craft Cider Marketing Fund over the next six years to help provincial craft cideries market their products to more consumers and stimulate growth across the sector.

“Our government is supporting Ontario cideries in reaching more local consumers with their incredible, world-renowned products,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “We recognize the industry’s great potential for growth, and this investment is just one way we are ensuring its success, now and in the future.”

With over 60 craft cideries across the province, this investment will:

Stimulate long-term growth in Ontario’s craft cider sector
Enhance consumer awareness of Ontario craft cider products
Accelerate the ability of our cideries to take advantage of new market opportunities

The Ontario government’s Small Cidery Program also helps cideries grow and increase the scale of their operations, with grants of up to $220,000 to hire more staff and purchase new state-of-the-art equipment.

These investments support our Grow Ontario Strategy goals of increasing the consumption and production of local food and growing Ontario’s food and beverage exports. The strategy is creating jobs and opportunities in communities across the province, while attracting new investments in our economy.

The Ontario Craft Cider Association is also receiving up to $89,200 to expand the DrinkON Apples Certification, which will help more consumers identify apple cider products made with 100 per cent Ontario apples.

“It is so important we expand access and increase awareness among domestic and international consumers of cider,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Ontario’s cider is world-class, and I am so pleased to support this strategic initiative. Ontarians can be confident when they are choosing Ontario craft cider, they are making the right choice.”

Quick Facts

By the end of October 2024, every convenience, grocery and big-box store in Ontario will be able to sell beer, cider, wine and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages.
There are approximately 979 apple growers in Ontario, and our province is Canada’s largest apple growing region with over 16,000 acres of apple trees.

Quotes

“The Cider Marketing Fund is the single most impactful development for the Ontario Craft Cider industry in over a decade. The industry is in its infancy and this fund will help it develop into one of Ontario’s most significant beverage alcohol industries. Ontario Craft Cideries are excited to showcase the DrinkON Apples logo on their products as they know their products, produced from 100 per cent Ontario apples, will please and delight consumers, while the Cider Marketing Fund will allow them to sample and learn about Ontario Craft Cideries through festivals, sampling events and most importantly by visiting their local cidery via a new Ontario Craft Cider Trail.”

– Jenifer Dean
Chair, Ontario Craft Cider Association and Managing Director, The County Cider Company Inc.

“For generations, Ontario has produced great apples and since 1996, Ontario apples have given rise to award winning Ontario Craft Cider. The Cider Marketing Fund will create awareness and educate consumers on the Ontario Craft Cider industry. From Thedford to Collingwood to the Ottawa Valley, quality Ontario Craft Cider is being produced with 100 per cent Ontario Apples, which in turn supports local and rural communities. We sincerely thank the Ontario government not only for their financial support, but more importantly for their vision in seeing the unlimited potential to cultivate a thriving Ontario Craft Cider industry!”

– Janice A. Ruddock
Executive Director, Ontario Craft Cider Association

“The Ontario Apple Growers thank the Ontario government for its funding support for the craft cider industry. Craft cider makers are committed to producing stellar products using 100 per cent Ontario grown apples. We are excited to see the initiatives drive the expansion of the cider sector and highlight locally made Ontario craft ciders.”

– Brian Rideout
Chair, Ontario Apple Growers

Additional Resources

Ontario Craft Cider Association

Ontario Apple Growers

Destination Ontario – Cideries Road Trip