Cider Market Size By Product (Sparkling, Apple wine), By Source (Perry, Apple), By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Cider Market Size And Forecast

The Cider Market size was valued at USD 4.73 Billion in the year 2024, and it is expected to reach USD 5.82 Billion in 2032, at a CAGR of 3.95% over the forecast period of 2026 to 2032.

• Cider is defined as an alcoholic beverage crafted through the fermentation of apple juice. Typically, its alcohol content falls between 3% and 8.5% ABV, though some variations boast higher levels.
• The fermentation process itself is responsible for the transformation of sugars within apple juice into alcohol. Cider boasts a lengthy and esteemed history, with its roots tracing back centuries.
• Cider production relies on a specific type of apple, differing from those typically consumed fresh. These cider apples are characterized by higher levels of tannins and acidity, both of which contribute significantly to the cider's final flavor profile. The creation of cider involves a multi-step process.
• Cider encompasses a spectrum of flavors, ranging from sweet apple to dry and tannic. The type of apples used, the length of fermentation, and any additional processes employed all influence the final taste profile.
• Notably, while apple cider is the most widely available type, perry is another alcoholic beverage produced through the fermentation of pear juice, sharing some similarities with cider.

Global Cider Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the cider market include:

Key Market Drivers

• Health and Wellness Focus: Consumers are increasingly health-conscious and seeking out beverages perceived as healthier alternatives. Cider can benefit from this trend, as some varieties are lower in calories and gluten-free compared to other alcoholic drinks.
• Flavor Innovation: Cider producers are constantly innovating with new and exciting flavor combinations. This includes incorporating different fruits beyond apples, experimenting with spices, and introducing sweeter or drier styles to cater to a wider range of palates. This variety keeps the category fresh and attracts new consumers.
• Rise of Craft Beverages: The craft beverage movement, emphasizing artisanal production and unique flavors, is extending to cider. This trend is attracting a growing consumer base interested in premium and distinctive ciders.
• Popularity Among Younger Consumers: Cider's reputation as a refreshing and easy-to-drink alcoholic beverage resonates well with younger demographics. This is a key driver for market growth, as younger consumers represent a significant portion of the beverage market.
• Expanding Distribution Channels: Cider is becoming more readily available through various distribution channels, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retailers. This increased accessibility makes it easier for consumers to discover and purchase cider.
• Global Market Growth: Traditionally, cider consumption was concentrated in Europe, particularly the UK and Ireland. However, there's a significant rise in cider popularity in emerging markets like Asia Pacific and Africa. This global expansion is a major driver for the overall market.

Key Challenges:

• Competition from Other Alcoholic Beverages: The cider market faces stiff competition from a wide range of established and emerging alcoholic beverage categories. This includes RTD (Ready-to-Drink) cocktails and seltzers, which are particularly popular among younger consumers.
• Limited Brand Awareness: Cider awareness remains relatively low in many regions outside of Europe, particularly in emerging markets. This can hinder market expansion as consumers may not be familiar with the product or its various styles.
• Price Sensitivity: Cider can sometimes be perceived as a more expensive option compared to other alcoholic beverages like beer. This can be a deterrent for price-sensitive consumers, especially in regions with economic hardship.
• Seasonal Consumption: Cider consumption tends to be more seasonal, with higher sales during warmer months. This can create challenges for producers in maintaining consistent production and profitability throughout the year.
• Heavily Reliant on Core Markets: The cider market currently relies heavily on a few core markets, particularly Europe. This lack of diversification can be risky, as economic downturns or changing consumer preferences in these regions could significantly impact the overall market.

Key Trends:

• Health-conscious indulgence: Consumers are increasingly drawn to beverages perceived as healthier alternatives. Cider benefits from this trend, as some varieties are positioned as lower in calories and gluten-free compared to other alcoholic drinks.
• Flavorful innovation: Constant innovation in flavors keeps the cider category fresh and expands its reach. Cider producers are experimenting with incorporating different fruits beyond apples, using spices for unique flavor profiles, and introducing a wider range of sweetness levels to cater to diverse palates.
• Craft cider's rise: The craft beverage movement, emphasizing local production and distinct flavors, is extending to cider. This trend is attracting a growing consumer base interested in acquiring premium and distinctive ciders.
• Younger demographic's embrace: Cider's image as a refreshing and easy-to-drink beverage resonates well with younger consumers. This is a key driver for market growth, as younger demographics represent a significant portion of the beverage market.
• Expanding distribution channels: Increased accessibility is being facilitated by the expansion of cider's distribution channels. Cider is becoming more readily available through various outlets, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retailers.
• Global market expansion: Traditionally concentrated in Europe, cider consumption is now experiencing significant growth in emerging markets like Asia Pacific and Africa. This global expansion is a major driver for the overall market.
• Sustainability focus: Growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products is influencing the cider industry. Producers are implementing sustainable practices in areas like energy use, packaging, and raw material sourcing to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility.

Global Cider Market Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the cider market:

Europe:

• Europe boasts the world's largest cider market, with a rich history and tradition of cider production and consumption.
• Europe is a major producer of apples, providing a readily available source of the key ingredient for cider.
• Cider holds deep cultural significance in many European countries, particularly the UK and Ireland, where it's been a popular beverage for centuries.
• European cider preferences vary geographically. While apple cider remains the most popular type, regional specialties exist. For instance, France is known for its "cidre brut" (dry cider), while Spain produces a distinctive "sidra" with a slightly tart flavor.
• European cider producers are constantly innovating with new flavor combinations and styles, such as fruit-infused ciders and drier varieties, to cater to evolving consumer tastes.

North America:

• North American consumers are increasingly health-conscious. This opens doors for cider, positioned as a potentially lower-calorie and gluten-free option compared to other alcoholic beverages.
• The craft beverage movement is flourishing in North America, extending to cider production. This fosters innovation and attracts consumers seeking premium, locally-made ciders with unique flavor profiles.
• North American cider producers are actively incorporating diverse fruits beyond apples, experimenting with spices, and introducing a wider range of sweetness levels to cater to various taste preferences.
• Cider consumption in North America tends to be seasonal, with higher sales during warmer months. Producers are implementing strategies to encourage year-round consumption, such as introducing new flavor profiles suitable for cooler weather.

Global Cider Market: Segmentation Analysis

The Global Cider Market is segmented based on Product, Source, And Geography.

Cider Market, By Product

• Sparkling
• Apple wine
• Still
• Others

Based on Product, the market is divided into Sparkling, Apple wine, Still, and Others. Sparkling is the fastest-growing segment in the Global Cider Market. It is considered a celebratory beverage, similar to champagne, but without the alcohol. Sparkling cider contains antioxidants, potassium, vitamin B, and carbohydrates, making it a beverage with various nutrients. It also contains riboflavin and niacin, two B vitamins that help with energy production, eyesight, digestive health, and nerve conduction.

Cider Market, By Source

• Perry
• Apple
• Fruit flavored
• Others

Based on the source, the market is segmented into Perry, Apple, fruit-flavored, and Others. Apple cider has the largest growing segment in the global cider market. The product provides health benefits associated with the consumption of apples. Furthermore, scientists at Brewing Research International have indicated the presence of wellness antioxidants associated with Apple products.

Cider Market, By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the world

Based on Geography, the cider market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. Europe has the largest segment of the Global Cider Market. The majority of European countries have a cool climate, which inspires the consumption of alcoholic beverages. This has led to the proliferation of a high number of microbreweries fulfilling the demand for craft ciders rather than mass-produced counterparts over the forecasted period.

Key Players

• The "Cider Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market including some of the major players such as Aston Manor Brewery, Diageo plc, Carlsberg A/S, Distell Group Limited, Halewood Wines & Spirits, Heineken N.V., Kopparbergs Brewery., C&C Group Plc, Thatchers Cider, Asahi Premium, and SABMiller Plc.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

• In March 2021, Heineken launched a new sustainable cider made from 100% British apples in Europe available in 500ml bottles, 4x440ml cans, and 10x440ml cans.
• In June 2021, Original Sin Cider introduced their latest creation, "New York Dry Cider." Crafted from a blend of freshly pressed New York-grown McIntosh, Ida Red, and Cortland apples, this cider boasts a balanced and complex flavor profile, with just a hint of residual sugar to enhance its natural acidity. This patriotic beverage is available in 16 oz cans adorned with a red, white, and blue design.