Craft cider tourism : getting to the core of the matter

Cider production and consumption is growing rapidly within the USA; however, only estimates exist regarding the output from craft cider operations. Alongside the growth of the craft, beer market in the USA has been a resurgence of interest in craft cideries; according to the United States Association of Cider Makers, cider has become the fastest growing segment of the craft alcohol industry evidenced by its fivefold increase in market share since 2012. This growth has created a nebulous landscape of craft cider tourism activity in terms of both scope and scale. This chapter summarizes the current state of knowledge on craft cider tourism: defining craft cider, identifying the relevant literature, outlining the proliferation of craft cideries in the USA given historical context, denoting the relevant organizations working to grow craft cider in the USA, making connections between craft cider and tourism, and highlighting the states, regions, and events deliberately marketing to cider tourists.