TORONTO, Oct. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - A new study indicates that this is “a good time” to be in the cider industry. Cider consumption is growing globally and domestically and the consumption of hard apple cider in Ontario is on the rise as well.  This growth creates a significant opportunity for Ontario craft cider makers and entrepreneurs to expand their presence in the marketplace. The Ontario Apple Growers and the Ontario Craft Cider Association (OCCA) recently engaged the George Morris Centre to conduct an economic impact study and develop a strategic road map for the hard apple cider industry in Ontario. The study found the cider industry has a solid and stable supply of good quality Ontario apples for their cider production.  In addition, the cider industry in Ontario is young with tremendous potential to grow.  “The Ontario craft cider industry is now at a very important point in its development. It needs to take measured, strategic steps in partnership with apple growers and the provincial government. These strategic decisions will help it to achieve its full growth potential and to generate its full contribution to the provincial economy,” says Kevin Grier, Senior Market Analyst, George Morris Centre. “Cider is Ontario’s ideal industry: agriculture, manufacturing and tourism and it is green to boot. This study confirms the potential and we look forward to making Ontario the centre of cider excellence,” said Nick Sutcliffe, Chair, OCCA. If the Ontario cider industry achieves projected sales of $35 million by 2018, the industry would have the following economic impacts:
  • Overall economic activity of $60 million.  In addition to $35 million in projected sales, the supplier industries would generate a further $25 million in added sales as a result of the activities of the craft cider industry.
  • Total added gross domestic product of $30 million.
  • 220 jobs would be created in the industry and its suppliers.
  • Total payroll including benefits would total $12 million for the cider industry and its suppliers.
  • Taxes of over $2 million would be paid to local, provincial and federal governments, not including income taxes.
Investment in this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In Ontario this program is delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council. The OCCA was established in 2012 to represent craft cider producers in Ontario. The OCCA’s mission is to ensure that Ontario is recognized as a centre for cider excellence and innovation. There are currently 14 members.  Visit www.ontariocraftcider.com. The George Morris Centre is a national, independent, economic research organization specializing in the Canadian agri-food sector. The Centre provides perspective, critical information, strategic analysis and planning, and education on issues affecting the sector to promote its environmental and economic sustainability. The Ontario Apple Growers represents the province’s 215 commercial apple farmers. The farm gate value of Ontario’s apple crop is approximately $65 million. Visit www.onapples.com. SOURCE Ontario Craft Cider Association (OCCA)