The American Cider Association Awards (ACA Awards) recognize the work of individuals and organizations in support of cider throughout the year.
The day began early, with Scott Ramsey, Executive Director of the New York Cider Association in discussion with New York Liquor Commissioner Lily Fan, talking about how the work of the liquor authority can collaborate with the craft cider industry. Next, Debbie Morrison, of Yellow Belly Cidery and Sapsucker Farms in Minnesota recounted her experience in her efforts to make her business sustainable.
At 9:30 a.m., the Trade Show opened its doors, with a wide range of companies offering their services to cider mills and cider bars, including label designers and vendors, canners, racking pumps, computer programs specialized in cider mill management, flavoring, presses and machinery, glasses, bottles and barrel cleaners, among many other products. The Trade Show also hosted the signing of cider books by their authors.
Both the morning and the afternoon were filled with workshops for cider makers, cider harvesters, cider sellers and drinkers, attended by hundreds of people; but the most anticipated moment of the day was the presentation, during lunch, of the ACA awards, in which the American Cider Association recognized the people and entities that have stood out for their contribution to the world of cider in different areas: Best cider retailers, Best cider-focused establishments, Best cider distributor, Excellence in cider hospitality… all of them differentiating the different areas in which the national territory is divided. In addition, special awards were presented for Excellence in Cider Industry Leadership (Aaron Safnorf Wood), Recognized ACA Members (Nine Pin Cider Works and Benny Boy), Significant Impact on the Cider Industry (Scott Ramsey and Amy Sitinson) and Apple Advocates of the Year (Kristin M. Richard and Willan Mullan).
The day ended with an event outside the CiderCon, but integrated into the activities of the Cider Week in which took place -in the Eris Brewery- the semifinals of the American championship of cider pourers, inspired by the Asturian cider and its culture. The finals will be next Saturday at the CiderSummit.
