Are we entering a global cider renaissance?

A resurgence in cider is being celebrated across the international market with “emerging and exciting flavour profiles” and “experimentation”. db finds out more about how the trend is taking shape.

According to Grand View Research, the cider industry is projected to grow across the board internationally. As of 2024, Europe was the largest in market share at 37%, a number credited to both a cider history and a commitment to innovation, especially for younger generations of drinkers.

The data revealed that Mexico held the “highest regional cider market revenue share in 2024” and with a “rise of craft cider producers in regions like Chihuahua, Puebla, and Mexico City” it also “adds unique flavours and premium products to the market.”

More curious drinkers

Looking elsewhere, North America and Asia Pacific are also seeing dramatic increases, the latter “expected to grow at the fastest CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 5.9%.” Added to this, the research outlined that “countries like China and India in particular, are seeing a rise, due in large part to a growing middle class as well as an increase in younger, more curious drinkers”.

Speaking to the drinks business, ciderologist and chair of judges for the International Cider Awards, Gabe Cook, said: “As the industry is flourishing, it’s really interesting to see that it’s not so much flavoured ciders that are the driver of the segment, like we’ve seen previously in the 2010’s. It’s actually back to the classic. It’s back to apple. And it’s showcasing the multiple variations and expressions of the good old apple cider. Much like other drinks, we’re seeing a huge growth in low and no, but then also at the other end of the spectrum, higher alcohol products like vintage ciders are showing a great growth as well.”

Casting eyes further afield, the Middle East’s cider, perry, and mead sector has shown steady growth with consumption reaching 878 million litres in 2024, valued at around US$1.6 billion.

The data, revealed in a recent report from IndexBox, Shows that the cider, perry and mead sector within the Middle East is forecast to expand at a CAGR of 1.3% through 2035, reaching 1 billion litres.

Value is expected to grow at 1.7% CAGR to US$2 billion with Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia being the dominant markets, accounting for 73% of total consumption. According to the analysis and forecast, import activity is currently concentrated in Israel and UAE, while production remains largely domestic-driven. However, Lebanon shows the strongest growth momentum in both consumption value and per capita terms.

Investment

Last May, C&C Group made a seven-figure investment into its Magners cider. The decision was off the back of 2024 CGA figures that had outlined how cider sales picked up (+10% volume / +11% value in April 2024 vs. March 2024), with volumes peaking across the summer months of June, July and August (2024).

Similarly focussed on growing the category, last year, independent family-owned cider producer Thatchers planted 13,000 apple trees in Somerset in an effort to keep up with demand. The move marked the beginning of a new generation at Thatchers Cider, as the family business celebrated not just record demand but also its fifth generation of cider makers as Eleanor Thatcher joined the board.

Cook told db: “As consumers take a greater interest in provenance and where their food and drink comes from, cider is very well set with orchards, a great heritage, and all these different varieties. There are lots of different expressions, of different flavour profiles, thanks to tannin or acid-driven styles of cider. And of course, in smaller volumes, but really driving the valley perception of cider, are fine ciders. These drinks showcase something a little bit different, a bit more like a wine, with different processes, and some are even made in the same way as champagne. It’s a really exciting time for cider in the UK, in Europe, and all over the globe.”

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