A flavorful revolution of cider is currently happening across the state of Tennessee, from the rolling hills of the Smokies to the busy streets of Nashville! This booming industry is grabbing the attention of both tourists and Tennesseans alike. The Volunteer State is experiencing this cider renaissance thanks in part to innovation, agriculture, and much more. Continue reading as we discuss why Tennessee cider is becoming a booming industry:
Growth in Sales & Production
The Tennessee cider industry is experiencing a surge in growth like never before! According to the American Cider Association, sales of Tennessee cider spiked by 34.3%, reaching nearly $2.5 million from the summer of 2023 to the summer of 2024. During that same time period, production jumped by 28%. Those numbers position Tennessee as one of the states experiencing the most growth in the cider industry.
Blend of Agriculture & Innovation
The climate and fertile soil of Tennessee are helping to fuel this boom. Much of the state has ideal conditions for growing apples as well as other fruits commonly used to craft hard ciders. This advantage gives cider makers easy access to some of the most important ingredients required to produce cider while using some of the newest advances in cider-making technology.
The Rise of Local Craft Cideries
If you’ve spent any time in the Smoky Mountains recently, you’ve probably noticed an increase in the number of cideries. That trend extends across the state of Tennessee. In 2022, there were just 10 cider makers in the state, but that number continues to steadily increase. Tennessee Cider Company is proud to be the original cidery of the Smoky Mountains as the first one to open in Gatlinburg in 2019!
Tourism: A Catalyst for Cider Popularity
The tourism industry across Tennessee, including right here in the Smoky Mountains, is a big reason for this Tennessee cider boom. Tourism is the state’s second-largest industry, attracting millions of visitors annually, many of them eager to try local flavors. Cider experiences like the Gatlinburg Wine Trail have helped contribute to this growth, offering tourists a chance to enjoy the tastes of Tennessee.
Meeting Evolving Consumer Preferences
One of the trends in the adult beverage industry is consumers seeking out beverages that are more flavorful, artisanal, and locally sourced. Tennessee cider checks all of those boxes. Its naturally gluten-free composition, moderate alcohol content, and diversity of flavors make it quite an appealing choice to a broad demographic. Many Tennessee cideries like Tennessee Cider Company experiment with unique ingredients and flavors, helping the Tennessee ciders on the market stand out even more.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future
The combination of prime agricultural conditions, robust tourism, and the evolving tastes of consumers puts Tennessee’s cider industry on pace for sustained growth. With more entrepreneurs entering the space and the expansion of existing cideries, the state continues to be a leader in cider growth.
If you’ve ever been curious, now you know why the Tennessee cider industry is booming! We hope you’ll experience it for yourself sometime soon at Tennessee Cider Company. Take a look at our Tennessee ciders today to get a sneak peek of what’s in store!
