447: Inside the Michigan Cider Association with Executive Director Paula Englin

Michigan Cider: The Great Cider State with Paula Englin

Michigan has earned its place as a leader in the cider industry, boasting the highest number of hard cider businesses in the U.S. In this episode, Paula Englin, Executive Director of the Michigan Cider Association, discusses the state's growth in cider, the role of education, and how Michigan cider makers are shaping the industry with events like the well known cider competition GLINTCAP – Great Lakes International Cider and Perry competition.

MCA Executive Director Paula Englin

With nearly 195 cider businesses and a thriving community, Michigan truly is The Great Cider State

Growing Michigan Cider: Collaboration & Education

The Michigan Cider Association was founded over a decade ago to bring cider makers together, advocate for legislative needs, and expand consumer awareness. Today, the association focuses on education, providing opportunities for cider makers at all levels—from home enthusiasts to large-scale producers.

One of the recent big initiatives has been working with the Cider Institute, formely known as the Cider Institute of North America (CINA), to offer subsidized cider education. Michigan cider makers have benefited from foundational courses, cider guide certifications for taproom staff, and marketing efforts that drive cider sales across the state.

Mapping Michigan's Cider Scene

Michigan's unique geography, shaped by the Great Lakes, creates an ideal environment for growing apples. Many cider makers source their fruit locally, often within 30 minutes of their production sites. Here's how the cider landscape breaks down:

To use this Hand Map – Hold up your left hand, palm facing outward, with fingers together and thumb extended—this mimics Michigan's Lower Peninsula, often called "The Mitten," with Detroit near the base of the thumb and Traverse City near the tip of your pinky.

• Metro Detroit (Thumb region) – A hub for orchards and cideries, home to well-known producers.
• Southwest Michigan (Pinky side of the mitten) – A mix of wineries and cideries, taking advantage of the region's wine industry crossover.
• Grand Rapids & the Fruit Ridge (Center of the mitten) – A major apple-growing region supplying cideries statewide.
• Traverse City (Top of the mitten) – A destination for cider lovers, known for high-quality cider apples and innovative makers.

Cider Events That Put Michigan on the Map

Michigan's cider industry thrives on consumer engagement, and events play a major role in getting more people to appreciate and support local cider.

• Michigan Apple Festival (Sparta, MI) – A harvest celebration featuring local apple growers, cider producers, and even an apple peeling contest!
• Cider Week Grand Rapids (May 9-17, 2025) – A week of cider-focused events, including pairing dinners, tap takeovers, and a board game night at House Rules in Grand Rapids.
• Grand Rapids Wine, Beer & Food Festival – Showcasing a variety of Michigan ciders to educate new consumers and cider fans alike.

GLINTCAP: Great Lakes International Cider and Perry competition

Michigan is also home to GLINTCAP (Great Lakes International Cider & Perry Competition), the world's largest cider competition. Paula now oversees the event, which continues to grow, introducing a low and no-ABV category for the first time in 2025.

One major shift? Judging is now fully digital, improving feedback delivery and accuracy. The competition also expanded international accessibility, making it easier for cider makers worldwide to participate.

Contant the Michigan Cider Association

• Website: https://michiganciders.com/

Mentions in this Cider Chat

• Totally Cider Tour to the UK – send an email to info@ciderchat.com to get on the wait list for spots opening on this 2025 tour taking place August 25-31, 2025 and future cider tours.
• Letter from Patron Rod – Become a patron of Cider Chat via Cider Chat Patreon
• Stone Ridge Orchard May Wassail – follow on Instagram
• Episode 296 Bauman's |Oregon's Destination Farm Cidery