Jul 8, 2011

Program set for Michigan Cider Maker’s summer meeting

Michigan’s cider industry has significant growth potential. How you package cider is key to extending the marketing season, where you sell and how it’s consumed. Could value-added packaging help Michigan cider makers get a piece of the $500 billion – 50 gallons per person – annual soda industry?

This summer’s meeting of Michigan Cider Makers’ Guild, being held Saturday, July 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. delves into value-added packaging as a way to expand markets for locally-made, nutritious cider. Can individual-serve packages open the door to Michigan restaurants, delis, schools, vending machines and convenience stores? The agenda will include: Creating your “brand” and Consumer Trends by Rockford Package Supply, Inc.; Legal Requirements for Off-Farm Sales and More with Mike Lally, Michigan Department of Agriculture; Decommoditizing a Commodity Beverage Through Packaging – A success story from the Michigan milk industry; Additional Packaging Choices for Michigan Cider by Cam Simmons, Stanpac, Inc.; Flavored Ciders as a Value Added Product with Jay Jollay, Bainbridge Beverage Co. and Sanitary Bottle Filling and Capping Systems-versatility for handling single serve glass to 1 gallon hdpe plastic, and everything in between, Ross Verbeek, Filler Specialities.

Program includes lunch, optional 9 a.m. tour of Klackle’s new cider-making operation, 11466 W. Carson City Rd. (M-57), Greenville, Michigan and an opportunity to network with other cider makers.

Send complete contact information and payment to Michigan Cider Makers Guild, 13750 S. Sedona Pkwy., Ste. 3, Lansing, MI 48906. Cost for MCMG members: $15 (+ annual dues, $100). Cost for all others: $60 (US)/person. Checks payable to “Michigan Cider Makers Guild.”

If you have questions, call Denise Donohue or Diane Smith at Michigan Apple Association at (517) 669-8353.