Cider Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity and Forecast, By Type (Farm Cider, Traditional Cider, Real Cider, Craft Cider), By Packaging Type (Bottles, Cans), By Distribution Channel (Store-Based, Non-Store Based), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 2.57 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.89%
Fastest Growing Segment	Cans
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 3.42 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Cider Market will grow from USD 2.57 Billion in 2025 to USD 3.42 Billion by 2031 at a 4.89% CAGR. Cider is defined as an alcoholic beverage derived from the fermentation of apple juice, varying in sweetness and carbonation levels. The primary drivers supporting the global market's growth include a rising consumer preference for gluten-free and lower-calorie alternatives to beer, as well as a sustained demand for beverages made with natural, verifiable ingredients. Additionally, the increasing accessibility of diverse fruit blends and botanical infusions attracts a broader demographic looking for variety beyond traditional profiles.

Despite this positive momentum, the market faces a significant challenge from the rapid expansion of Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cocktails and hard seltzers, which compete aggressively for the same occasion-based consumption moments. These alternatives often divert younger consumers through high marketing spend and novel product formats. Highlighting the resilience of the sector in mature regions, according to the National Association of Cider Makers, in 2025, the cider category generated more than £2 billion in on-trade value within the United Kingdom hospitality sector.

Key Market Drivers

The expansion of premium, artisanal, and craft cider segments is fundamentally reshaping the market as consumers increasingly prioritize quality, heritage, and provenance over price. This "premiumisation" trend involves a shift toward beverages that offer authentic production narratives, such as locally sourced apples and traditional fermentation methods, allowing brands to justify higher price points even amidst economic pressures. Shoppers are actively trading up from value-tier mainstream options to sophisticated "crafted" variants, viewing them as affordable luxuries. According to The Grocer, February 2025, in the 'Thatchers bucks falling cider sales' article, premium cider producer Thatchers recorded a 16.3% turnover increase to £203.9 million for the year ending August 2024, significantly outperforming declining budget-focused competitors.

Concurrently, the proliferation of innovative fruit, botanical, and exotic flavor profiles is proving critical for recruiting younger demographics and competing with ready-to-drink cocktails. Producers are diversifying beyond traditional apple and pear bases to include blends like berry, citrus, and tropical infusions, which appeal to consumers seeking variety and sweeter, more accessible taste profiles. This innovation strategy helps retain relevance in a crowded alcoholic beverage landscape by engaging drinkers who might otherwise exit the category. According to Drinks Retailing, March 2025, in the 'Westons Cider Report 2025', flavoured cider in the United Kingdom's off-trade sector saw a 2.1% uplift in sales, capturing a 32% share of the total market. Highlighting the broader resilience of independent and diverse producers, according to the American Cider Association, in 2025, regional cider brand sales in United States off-premise channels rose by 2.9% in value for the 52 weeks ending December 2024.

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Key Market Challenges

The aggressive expansion of Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cocktails and hard seltzers presents a formidable challenge that is directly hampering the growth of the global cider market. These alternative beverage categories compete aggressively for the exact same consumption occasions, such as outdoor social gatherings and casual recreational moments, which were previously dominated by cider. By leveraging massive marketing budgets and a continuous stream of novel flavor innovations, RTD brands successfully divert the attention of younger demographics who prioritize variety and convenience. This shift in consumer preference effectively cannibalizes the potential customer base for cider, preventing the category from recruiting new drinkers and stalling volume expansion in mature markets.

The economic impact of this competitive saturation is substantial, as it limits the revenue trajectory for established producers and threatens the stability of the supply chain. The inability to retain new legal-drinking-age consumers against the influx of RTDs restricts the sector's overall financial performance. Underscoring the significant economic scale currently at risk, according to the National Association of Cider Makers, in 2024, the cider category was valued at more than £3 billion. The sustained encroachment of RTDs into this market share endangers this valuation and the extensive agricultural network that relies on the industry's continued prosperity.

Key Market Trends

The surge in production of low-ABV and dealcoholized cider variants is fundamentally altering the market landscape as producers respond to the growing consumer demand for moderation and health-conscious alternatives. This trend transcends simple calorie counting, representing a sophisticated evolution in fermentation technology where brands utilize reverse osmosis and vacuum distillation to retain complex flavor profiles while removing alcohol. This strategic pivot allows cideries to remain relevant during traditionally dry periods like "Dry January" and appeals to younger adults who increasingly prioritize mindful drinking over intoxication. The commercial viability of this segment is evident in its rapid expansion relative to the broader category. According to Drinks Retailing, March 2025, in the 'Westons Cider Report 2025', value sales of low and no alcohol cider in the United Kingdom's off-trade sector increased by 26.4%, driven largely by rising household penetration and younger demographics entering the category.

Simultaneously, a distinct shift toward sustainable aluminum canning and eco-friendly packaging is redefining product formats to align with environmental priorities and convenience-led consumption. Manufacturers are aggressively moving away from heavy glass bottles in favor of lightweight aluminum cans, which offer superior recyclability and lower transport emissions, directly addressing the industry's carbon footprint. Beyond sustainability, this transition is crucial for competing with the portability of ready-to-drink cocktails, making cider more accessible for outdoor events, festivals, and casual social gatherings where glass is often restricted. This format innovation is delivering tangible financial results for producers who adapt their packaging mix. According to the American Cider Association, February 2025, in the 'Cider Report', sales of cider in cans within United States off-premise channels increased by 6.5% in value for the 52-week period ending December 2024, significantly outpacing other traditional packaging formats.

Segmental Insights

The Cans segment represents the fastest-growing category within the global cider market, driven by shifting consumer preferences toward convenience and portability. This growth is largely attributed to the suitability of metal cans for outdoor social gatherings and events where glass is often restricted. Furthermore, the rising emphasis on sustainability has accelerated the adoption of aluminum packaging due to its high recyclability rates compared to other materials. Manufacturers are increasingly utilizing cans to reduce transportation costs and protect the product from light exposure, thereby preserving quality and aligning with broader beverage industry trends favoring durable, eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific stands as the leading region in the Global Cider Market, dominating the industry's growth trajectory and strategic expansion. This leadership is primarily driven by rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes in key economies such as China and India, where a burgeoning middle class is increasingly shifting from traditional high-alcohol spirits to refreshing, low-alcohol alternatives. Unlike mature European markets, the region fosters a dynamic demand for innovative, fruit-flavored ciders tailored to local palates, such as lychee and Asian pear. Consequently, Asia Pacific has established itself as the central hub for global market development and future volume generation.

Recent Developments

• In May 2025, Blake’s Hard Cider collaborated with the workwear brand Carhartt to launch a limited-edition beverage named American Apple Imperial Hard Cider. This partnership was formed to celebrate the agricultural sector and support The Farmlink Project, a non-profit organization fighting food waste. The new 8% ABV cider was distributed to retailers across 36 states and select on-premise venues. The collaboration highlighted the shared values of hard work and heritage between the two companies, while also including a significant financial contribution to help the charity connect surplus farm produce with communities facing food insecurity.
• In April 2024, Thatchers Cider unveiled Juicy Apple, a new cider variant launched exclusively for the on-trade market. Produced using 100% renewable electricity generated at the company's farm, this 4% ABV beverage featured a blend of Katy and Jonagold apples, delivering a sweet flavor profile with a hint of sourness. The release was designed to appeal to younger drinkers and environmentally conscious consumers. The company supported the launch with a targeted marketing campaign aimed at driving footfall to pubs, positioning the new cider as a sustainable and refreshing option for those exploring the category.
• In March 2024, Heineken UK announced the expansion of its Strongbow portfolio with the launch of Strongbow Zest. This apple-based cider featured a blend of lime, lemon, and orange flavors, creating a citrus profile designed to attract new consumers to the category. The company planned to roll out the product across grocery and convenience channels, backing the release with a substantial £10 million marketing campaign. A senior executive stated that the innovation was driven by consumer demand for fresh flavor experiences and aimed to build on the market success of previous tropical product launches.
• In February 2024, Westons Cider strategically updated its portfolio by launching Henry Westons Vintage Pear to replace its existing perry label. The producer lowered the alcohol content from 7.4% to 6% ABV, a move intended to cater to changing consumer habits and appeal to a younger demographic. By reframing the traditional drink as a pear cider rather than perry, the company sought to revitalize the category and make the product more accessible to modern shoppers. This launch underscored the business's commitment to innovation and its focus on driving sales and maintaining relevance within the premium cider market.

Key Market Players

• Aston Manor Limited
• Bryant's Dry Cider LLC
• The Cotswold Brewing Company Ltd
• Heineken N.V.,
• Carlsberg Breweries A/S
• The Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd
• Seattle Cider Co
• Vander Mill.
• Thatchers Cider Company Ltd
• Minneapolis Cider Company

By Type	By Packaging Type	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Farm Cider Traditional Cider Real Cider Craft Cider	Bottles Cans	Store-Based Non-Store Based	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Cider Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Cider Market, By Type:

• Farm Cider
• Traditional Cider
• Real Cider
• Craft Cider

• Cider Market, By Packaging Type:

• Bottles
• Cans

• Cider Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Store-Based
• Non-Store Based

• Cider Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE