Wassail! The Drinks Industry is Witnessing a Global Cider Renaissance
- Guild Secretary
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
In 2026, the International Cider Awards are celebrating this resurgence of cider in the international market
We’ve all heard the murmurs in the alcohol industry of sales dropping, of consumers drinking less, and looking to other options besides that standard order of beer or spirits. One of those options seems to be cider. That’s right, amidst a sea of downward data, cider as a category seems to be on the up and up.
Cider seems to be topping the charts as a choice due to consumers' perspectives on it being a healthier alternative when compared to beer or other alcoholic beverages, as well as the emerging and exciting flavour profiles and experimentations of its makers. This seems to be particularly true with younger generations of drinking age.
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.
Mexico was held as the “highest regional cider market revenue share in 2024. The rise of craft cider producers in regions like Chihuahua, Puebla, and Mexico City adds unique flavours and premium products to the market.” Festivals and other cultural and community events are beginning to include and even prominently feature cider.
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%.” 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.
This data is worth a celebration - and the International Cider Awards agree, as they aim to recognise on a global scale the art of cider making and the people behind such an incredible craft.
Chair of Judge Gabe Cook - The Ciderologist, said about the awards:
“The International Cider Awards is the world's truest global competition. This isn't a national competition that allows international entries. Products for this competition are entered from all six continents that can grow apples!”
Renowned for its quality and impartiality, the Awards are judged by currently practising cider makers to ensure relevancy and true understanding of the beverage and changes in the industry.
About the judges, Gabe added,
“All judges are technical cider makers - they know what constitutes a brilliantly well-made cider and they will celebrate that. And given that this year's judges come from as far afield as the UK, USA, Japan, Norway, Belgium, Latvia and New Zealand, you can guarantee that all styles, interpretations, methods and traditions will be expertly covered.
Almost all other global cider competitions are hosted on a single day, with a panel of judges asked to judge 50 or 60 cider sometimes, and can therefore only dedicate 5 minutes per entry. At the ICA there is NO TIME LIMIT for the judges. They take as long as is needed to make the correct assessment, give great feedback and celebrate Gold, Silver and Bronze medal-winning ciders - 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each category, just like at the Olympics.
So if you want to test your ciders against the best in the world, the ICA is the competition for you.”
International Cider Awards will take place on the 3rd-5th March 2026 in Manchester, with medal announcements and Trade Day occurring on 6 March 2026.
Enter on the awards website https://www.brewingawards.org/ by the 31st of January 2026
Notes to Editors
About International Cider Awards
First established in 1901, the International Ciders Awards were reintroduced as an international recognition of excellence in cider production in 2013.
An award is a recognition by fellow professional cider makers that a cider is an outstanding commercial example of its style.
The superb technical installation, including cider in bottle, can, bag in box, cask and keg, ensures the integrity of the product, dispensed to the judges at the cider maker’s recommended temperature.
All judges are currently practising cider makers from around the world, and our stewards are trained to ensure the integrity of the pour and dispense to the judges. With 9 categories within 3 trophies, there is a place for every cider, with every cider having a chance of winning - even those new or innovative variations on styles.
Website: https://www.brewingawards.org/
Socials: @intbrewingciderawards
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