Ontario’s Craft Cider Marketing Fund supports over 60 local craft cideries

THORNBURY, ON, Sept. 4, 2024 — 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.

“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,” said Jenifer Dean Chair, Ontario Craft Cider Association and Managing Director, The County Cider Company Inc. “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,” added Dean.

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.

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