The Cider Institute Brings Flagship Cidermaking Course to the UK

The Cider Institute, the leading nonprofit advancing the science and craft of cider production, is proud to announce the first UK offering of its flagship cidermaking course, Cider & Perry Production - A Foundation. Scheduled for 16^th – 20^th March 2026, this hands-on, immersive program will take place at NIAB in East Malling, Kent, giving cider producers a unique opportunity to expand their skills and knowledge.

Designed for both seasoned producers and aspiring cidermakers, the training offers comprehensive, science-based instruction in juice chemistry, fermentation, blending, packaging, lab analysis, sensory evaluation, and quality control. Participants gain practical skills directly from internationally recognized instructors, combining rigorous scientific principles with real-world applications that can immediately enhance production and product quality.

This UK launch represents a major milestone for the Cider Institute, which recently rebranded to reflect its growing international reach and impact. Formerly known as the Cider Institute of North America (CINA), the organization has trained nearly 2,000 cidermakers across 44 U.S. states, 8 provinces, and 28 countries, establishing a reputation for highquality, practical education that blends science and craft.

“Offering this course in the UK gives more producers direct access to the expert, hands-on training that has supported cidermakers around the world since 2016,” said Executive Director Brighid O’Keane.

The program also fills a notable gap in the international cider education landscape following the retirement of industry veteran Peter Mitchell of the UK Cider & Perry Academy. By providing structured, professional-level training, the Cider Institute equips the next generation of cidermakers with the tools to maintain and elevate cider quality.

Participants in this course are candidates for the industry-recognized Foundation Certificate in Cider & Perry Production. “This course is essential for current producers and those entering professional cidermaking. The instructors offer engaging, practical content in a welcoming environment,” said Joey Courchesne, Certified Cidermaker and Head Cidermaker at Annapolis Cider Company in Nova Scotia.

The Cider Institute’s programs are distinguished by their combination of scientific rigor and hands-on learning, developed through years of collaboration with academic experts and industry leaders. This first UK offering continues the Institute’s mission to foster excellence, innovation, and sustainability in cider production worldwide.

Course Details:

Dates: 16–20 March 2026

Location: NIAB at East Malling, with cidery tours around Kent, UK

Format: 5-day immersive, hands-on cider production training

Agenda and registration: Can be found by clicking this link 

10% Discount Code: UKCIDER26

ENDS 

Notes to Editors 

About the Cider Institute

The Cider Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the science and craft of cider production through education, training, and resources. By combining academic research, industry expertise, and hands-on experience, the Institute equips cidermakers worldwide with the knowledge and skills to produce high-quality cider and foster innovation across the industry. Learn more at www.ciderinstitute.com. 

About the Instructor

The lead instructor will be Steven Trussler from the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Insitute (CCOVI) at Brock University in Niagara, Canada. A former commercial producer, Steven has spent the last ten years developing and delivering educational programming for undergraduates and cider professionals in the areas of fermentation, sensory science, and beverage alcohol lab methods. He holds a Bachelor in Adult Education, a Masters in Teaching, Learning, and Development, and is currently completing his PhD in Higher Education at the University of Toronto. With a decade of experience teaching cider-specific fermentation, sensory science, and beverage lab methods, Steven combines deep academic insight with hands-on industry expertise.

About NIAB at East Malling

NIAB is a world-class centre of excellence for applied research and innovation in commercial horticulture, providing scientific research, technical services, and practical advice to improve crop yield, efficiency, and resilience. NIAB East Malling has a working winery, analytical lab, and hosts a living demonstration of trellis systems and a remarkable germplasm collection tracing apple genetics back to their origins in Kazakhstan. Learn more at www.niab.com/east-malling.

Media Contact

Brighid O’Keane - Executive Director

Website: Cider Institute

Tel:+1 585-732-8793

Email: brighid@ciderinstitute.com 

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