Ontario Government Announces Funding for Craft Cider Industry
The Ontario government has announced funding of up to $6 million for the Ontario Craft Cider Marketing Fund over the next six years. This funding aims to assist provincial craft cideries in marketing their products and stimulating growth within the sector.
According to Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, the initiative is intended to help cideries reach local consumers and capitalize on the industry's growth potential. The investment is an attempt to:
- Stimulate long-term growth in Ontario’s craft cider sector
- Enhance consumer awareness of Ontario craft cider products
- Accelerate market opportunities for cideries
The government also highlighted the Small Cidery Program, which provides grants of up to $220,000 to help cideries expand their operations by hiring staff and purchasing equipment.
Additionally, the Ontario Craft Cider Association will receive up to $89,200 to expand the DrinkON Apples Certification, aimed at helping consumers identify apple cider products made from 100% Ontario apples.
