Dec 12, 2024

Farmer White’s wins Michigan cider contest

Farmer White’s of Williamsburg, Michigan, won first place at the 26th annual Michigan Apple Cider Contest.

The competition took place at DeVos Convention Center on Dec. 11, as part of the Great Lakes Expo Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market show in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Up to 19 Michigan cider makers participating. Mary and Vincent Cooper are the owners of Farmer White’s, which is based in Williamsburg, Michigan.

Klein Cider Mill, located in Sparta, Michigan, won second place in the contest. The third place winner was Apple Barrel Cider of Ithaca, Michigan.

“The annual cider contest is a great way for cider makers to connect and learn from one another,” Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee and co-sponsor of the contest, said in a news release. “Cider makers put in a lot of hard work to make their delicious cider, whether it be growing their own apples or changing up their recipe to make the best cider.”

Located in northern Michigan northwest of Traverse City, Michigan, Farmer White’s grows and sells apples, peaches, cherries, blueberries, pumpkins, cider, jams and jellies.

The Michigan Apple Cider Contest began in 1997. Contest creator Bob Tritten wanted to help improve cider making, promote the industry and educate the public.

Derek Plotkowski, a Michigan State University fruit Extension educator who holds a Ph.D., directs the contest. He took it over in 2023 from Tritten, who retired.

The contest is sponsored by the Michigan Apple Committee, the Michigan State Horticultural Society and the Fruit Growers News.

Based in Lansing, Michigan, the Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world.

PHOTO AT TOP: Mary Cooper of Farmer White’s of Williamsburg, Michigan, won first place at the 26th annual Michigan Apple Cider Contest. Photo courtesy Kim Baker.