Global Cider Market

Global Cider Market Overview

• The Global Cider Market is valued at USD 16.4 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the rising demand for low-alcohol and fruit-based alcoholic beverages, especially among millennials and Gen Z consumers. Increasing health consciousness, the popularity of gluten-free options, and the expanding variety of flavors and styles—particularly berry, citrus, and exotic fruit blends—are key drivers. The trend towards premiumization, craft, and functional ciders with adaptogens and probiotics has also significantly contributed to market expansion.
• Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany continue to dominate the Global Cider Market due to their established cider production traditions and high consumption rates. The United States has seen a surge in craft cider brands and innovative flavor profiles, while the United Kingdom remains a historical leader in cider production. Germany, with its strong beer culture, has increasingly embraced cider, further enhancing its market presence.
• In 2023, the European Union implemented Regulation (EU) 2023/1234, issued by the European Commission, which standardizes cider production by requiring all cider producers to adhere to specific labeling and quality standards. This regulation covers ingredient disclosure, minimum fruit content, and alcohol thresholds, aiming to enhance consumer trust and ensure product quality, thereby promoting fair competition among cider manufacturers across member states.

Global Cider Market Segmentation

By Type:The cider market can be segmented into Hard Cider, Sweet Cider, Sparkling Cider, Still Cider, Flavored Cider, Organic Cider, Fruit Flavored Cider, Apple Cider, Mixed Fruit Cider, and Others. Among these, Hard Cider remains the most dominant segment, driven by its popularity among consumers seeking alcoholic beverages with lower sugar content. The trend towards craft and artisanal products, as well as the introduction of new fruit blends and seasonal flavors, has bolstered the growth of Hard Cider, with consumers increasingly drawn to unique flavors and local brands.

By Packaging Type:The cider market is also segmented by packaging type, which includes Glass Bottles, Cans, Draught/Kegs, Plastic Bottles, and Others. Glass Bottles are the leading packaging type, favored for their ability to preserve flavor and quality. The premium image associated with glass packaging appeals to consumers, particularly in the craft cider segment, where presentation and sustainability play a crucial role in purchasing decisions.

Global Cider Market Competitive Landscape

The Global Cider Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Heineken N.V. (Strongbow, Bulmers), C&C Group plc (Magners, Bulmers Ireland), Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. (Somersby), Anheuser-Busch InBev (Stella Artois Cidre, Johnny Appleseed), Molson Coors Beverage Company (Rekorderlig, Aspall), Carlsberg Group (Somersby), Aston Manor Cider, Thatchers Cider Company Ltd, Kopparbergs Bryggeri AB, Westons Cider, Angry Orchard (Boston Beer Company), Woodchuck Hard Cider (Vermont Hard Cider Company), Ace Cider (California Cider Company), Crispin Cider Company, Seattle Cider Company contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Global Cider Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Consumer Preference for Craft Beverages:The craft beverage segment has seen a significant rise, with the number of craft cideries in the U.S. increasing from 300 in 2010 to over 1,000 in future. This growth reflects a broader trend where consumers are seeking unique, locally produced options. According to the Brewers Association, craft beverage sales reached $29.3 billion in future, indicating a robust market for artisanal products, including cider, which is expected to benefit from this consumer shift.
• Rising Health Consciousness and Demand for Low-Alcohol Options:As health awareness grows, consumers are increasingly opting for beverages with lower alcohol content. The global low-alcohol beverage market was valued at $1.2 billion in future, with cider being a popular choice due to its typically lower alcohol levels compared to beer and spirits. This trend is supported by a report from the World Health Organization, which indicates a 15% increase in demand for low-alcohol beverages over the past three years, further driving cider consumption.
• Expansion of Distribution Channels and Retail Presence:The cider market is benefiting from enhanced distribution networks, with the number of retail outlets selling cider increasing by 20% from 2020 to future. E-commerce sales of alcoholic beverages, including cider, surged to $7.5 billion in future, according to Statista. This growth in online sales channels is expected to continue, providing cider producers with greater access to consumers and facilitating market penetration in previously underserved regions.

Market Challenges

• Intense Competition from Other Alcoholic Beverages:The cider market faces stiff competition from established alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits. In future, beer sales accounted for approximately $116 billion in the U.S. alone, overshadowing cider's market share. This competitive landscape necessitates innovative marketing strategies and product differentiation for cider brands to capture consumer interest and loyalty amidst a crowded marketplace.
• Regulatory Hurdles and Compliance Costs:Cider producers often encounter complex regulatory environments that vary by region. In the U.S., compliance with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulations can incur costs exceeding $50,000 annually for small producers. These regulatory challenges can hinder market entry and expansion, particularly for new entrants lacking the resources to navigate the compliance landscape effectively.

Global Cider Market Future Outlook

The cider market is poised for continued growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences towards craft and low-alcohol beverages. Innovations in flavor profiles and sustainable production practices are expected to attract a broader audience. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce will facilitate greater accessibility, allowing cider brands to reach consumers directly. As awareness of cider increases, particularly in emerging markets, the potential for market expansion remains significant, promising a dynamic future for the industry.

Market Opportunities

• Growth in E-Commerce and Online Sales Channels:The shift towards online shopping presents a substantial opportunity for cider brands. With e-commerce sales projected to reach $10 billion in future, cider producers can leverage digital platforms to enhance visibility and accessibility, catering to a tech-savvy consumer base increasingly comfortable with purchasing beverages online.
• Increasing Demand for Organic and Natural Products:The organic beverage market is expanding rapidly, with sales of organic alcoholic beverages reaching $3.5 billion in future. Cider brands that emphasize organic ingredients and sustainable practices can tap into this growing consumer segment, appealing to health-conscious buyers seeking natural alternatives in their beverage choices.