Ontario Strengthening Niagara’s Craft Cider Industry
Beamsville – 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’s Small Cidery Program will help Niagara apple growers and cideries remain competitive and successful,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
“This investment will support agri-tourism, new jobs and local businesse as we continue to build Ontario with a strong wine and cider sector in rural Ontario and across the province.”
“Our government is supporting Ontario cideries in reaching more local consumers with their incredible, world-renowned products,” said Hon. 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 sixty 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.
These investments support the 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 percent Ontario apples.
“It is so important we expand access and increase awareness among domestic and international consumers of cider,” said Hon. 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.”
“For generations, Ontario has produced great apples and since 1996, Ontario apples have given rise to award winning Ontario craft cider,” said Janice Ruddock, Executive Director of the Ontario Craft Cider Association.
“The Cider Marketing Fund will create awareness and educate consumers on the Ontario craft cider industry.”
“Ontario Apple Growers thank the Ontario government for its funding support for the craft cider industry,” said Brian Rideout, Chair of Ontario Apple Growers.
“Craft cider makers are committed to producing stellar products using 100 percent Ontario grown apples. We are excited to see these initiatives drive the expansion of the cider sector and highlight locally-made Ontario craft ciders.”