Cider is now a global player with the market valued at $16.38 billion in 2024. Forecasts show that the number is rising, with cider sales beginning to soar as fall drinkers look beyond beer. In the United States, both hard and non-alcoholic versions are finding more space on store shelves and keeping pace with consumer demand.
Apple growers are reporting bumper harvests, providing the raw materials needed to sustain this demand. Rising interest in regional cideries and new flavor experiments also shows how diverse offerings are fueling growth.
Market momentum and growth trends
The global cider market is expanding steadily and is projected to reach nearly $26.91 billion by 2032. Apple hard cider leads with over $800 million in sales, though its slight dip hints at growing interest in fresh flavors that range from blueberry to dragonfruit.
Driven by moderation habits, the category experienced rapid growth as consumers adopted zero-alcohol spirits and ready-to-drink alternatives. At the same time, hard cider continued to expand through innovative flavors and broader distribution. These highlight how cider continues to appeal to consumers seeking variety, balance and new experiences.
The season for cider
After two straight years of above-average production, apple growers expect another high-performing year with 11.7 billion pounds of apples harvested. This abundance fuels cider makers with the fruit base needed to satisfy rising demand, reinforcing cider’s image as the drink of fall.
Cider consumption peaks in late fall and mid-winter, especially in October and November, and again in January and February. With a strong apple supply, cider makers can meet consumer demand during these colder months.
However, cider’s continuing rise suggests it is becoming more than just a fall favorite. From July 2023 to July 2024, regional or independent cider retail sales reached $806.7 million, up 3.4% from the previous year. The combination of abundant apple harvests and increased seasonal consumption shows that what began as a distinctly seasonal drink is now evolving into a beverage with wider appeal and year‑round presence.
Cider regions across the US
To understand cider’s surge in popularity, it helps to look at where it thrives most. Several regions across the United States have become well-known for both their apple harvests and the unique ciders they produce.
In the Pacific Northwest, Washington State stands out for its thriving cider industry. Local orchards provide a steady supply of apples, which are transformed into both traditional and experimental ciders. The region’s reputation for craft beverages has made it a hub where cider shares space alongside beer and wine, with Seattle Cider Company among its most recognized producers.
On the East Coast, New York’s Hudson Valley has emerged as another cider hotspot. The area’s historic orchards have long produced apples, and many of them are dedicated to small-batch cider making in the present day. Angry Orchard, which operates a 60‑acre orchard in Walden, New York, stands out as a popular destination.
In the South, Virginia has built a reputation for approachable and widely enjoyed ciders. Its producers blend modern styles with a respect for apple-growing traditions. With distribution stretching up and down the East Coast, Virginia ciders have helped introduce the drink to wider audiences, and Bold Rock Hard Cider is among the state’s most recognized names.
On the West Coast, California combines orchard heritage with innovative production methods. Sparkling non-alcoholic ciders and bold hard cider styles both find a home here. The state’s large market presence ensures that California-made ciders reach households across the country, with Golden State Cider as one of its most familiar brands.
Cider over beer
Several factors explain why cider is growing as a fall beverage of choice. Its flavor diversity gives drinkers access to fruit infusions, spice blends and seasonal twists, making every pour feel different. By relying on local sourcing and heirloom varieties, cider also connects consumers directly to regional stories and traditions, with creative recipes like cider sangria showing how versatile the drink can be.
Lower alcohol levels also make it appealing for those who prefer a lighter option while still enjoying a festive drink. That moderation ties in seamlessly with cider’s natural connection to autumnal gatherings, from harvest tables to fireside evenings. Together, these qualities reinforce cider’s role as a seasonal favorite that offers both comfort and variety.
Beyond the pint glass
Cider’s story is still being written, and it is moving well past seasonal traditions. Producers across the country are showing that the drink can compete with beer, wine and even mulled wine as creative flavors and steady demand continue to drive growth. From tailgate coolers to dessert tables stocked with apple cookies, cider is finding new ways to show up in American homes. For anyone following beverage trends, cider is proving that it’s not just a fall indulgence but an increasingly important part of American drinking culture.
Jennifer Allen is a retired professional chef and long-time writer. Her work appears in dozens of publications, including MSN, Yahoo, The Washington Post and The Seattle Times. These days, she’s busy in the kitchen developing recipes and traveling the world, and you can find all her best creations at Cook What You Love.