The Big Bear Cider Mill is a craft cider producer based in Essex and run by a team motivated by their passion for cider, and their desire to take the business to the next level. The Big Bear make quality craft cider from pesticide free, traditional cider apple varieties, grown in thriving orchards created from regenerated gravel pits.

The UK cider market is valued at £2.98 billion PA and is the biggest cider market in the world. It is an exciting time for Craft Cider as it follows the rise of craft beer. Growth in the Craft Cider industry is at 16.9%.

Whilst still small compared to beer, cider is forecast to steal a fair share of beer drinkers over the next five years. The global market, is the fastest growing market in the drinks industry, projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2017 to 2024, reaching $13.8 billion by 2024.

An increased awareness of the health risks associated with alcohol consumption, especially among young people, is fuelling demand for low or non-alcoholic products. At between 4-5%, cider typically has a lower ABV than other beverages including wine, and therefore seen as a healthier alternative.

UK ciders are particularly popular in Moscow’s trendiest bars and a ‘British craft’ brand is seen to have great appeal with younger, aspirational Russians. According to a recent European Cider Trends report (The National Association of Cider Makers), the Czech Republic and Ukraine are also some of the fastest growing markets for craft cider.

These indicators all bode well for UK producers who are seen as leaders in the production of innovative crafted ciders.

The Big bear Cider Mill is live with their crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube and have already reached 52% of their target.