May 31, 2019 - Toronto, Ontario - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The Governments of Canada and Ontario are investing in the future of Ontario's craft cider production as Craft Cider Month celebrations begin.
Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the federal and provincial governments are providing support for technology solutions that will help cideries to expand markets and increase their productivity. Investments include:
- $130,175 for Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery to purchase and install an advanced glycol chilling and piping system for cider production to help reduce energy usage costs by 50 per cent, and a new wetland biofilter wastewater treatment system to help reduce disposal costs and eliminate wastewater.
- $70,661 for Fielding Estate Winery to purchase a new robotic press to establish three new product lines, which will help to increase capacity when processing apples for cider.
More than 200 apple growers across the province produce a variety of apples, including those used in the production of cider. Ontario's craft cider industry contributes $12.7 million to the provincial GDP.
There are now approximately 70 businesses that produce cider in Ontario. Food and beverage manufacturing businesses, including cideries, employed 96,370 people across the province in 2017.
The Ontario government is committed to supporting Ontario's beverage alcohol sector, including the fast-growing craft distillery and cider industries, improving customer convenience and choice, and creating more retail sales opportunities for businesses.
"Ontario plays a significant role in Canada's growing craft cider industry. As Ontarians enjoy this year's Craft Cider Month celebrations, our Government is pleased to support the province's cider industry through investments to increase efficiencies, reduce impacts on the environment and offer exciting new products to consumers."
- Marie-Claude Bibeau, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"Our province is open for business and open for jobs, and we recognize the many opportunities for Ontario's fast-growing craft cider industry. Our government is pleased to support the growth and success of our cideries and their great products made with local apples and pears from Ontario farmers. I invite everyone to celebrate Cider Month by attending one of the events being held across the province and enjoying this unique Ontario craft."
- Ernie Hardeman, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
"Ontario Craft Cider Month offers a taste of the region's crop to glass experience. It's an opportunity for all to discover the bounty of Ontario's diverse apple growing regions through an array of extraordinary ciders; cider country tours along the Apple Trail; exciting cider events and delicious restaurant collaborations celebrating Ontario's finest."
- Richard Liu, Chair of the Ontario Craft Cider Association
Quick facts
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This year, Ontario Craft Cider Month runs from June 1 to June 30, with festivals and events across the province.
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The Ontario craft cider sector had over $11.5 million in sales at the LCBO in 2017-2018 - an increase of 42 per cent from the previous year.
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The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion commitment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors.
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Since June 2018, both the federal and provincial governments have committed cost-share support for more than 1,150 projects in Ontario to help eligible farmers, business and sector organizations innovate and grow.
