Michigan Cider Maker’s Guild summer meeting looks at growth potential

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 (MCMG), being held July 30 from 9 a.m. – 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: A success story from the Michigan milk industry. How a financially-struggling dairy moved beyond plastic jugs into profitable, distinctive, value-added packaging! A discussion of alternative packaging and labeling options for cider by Rockford Packaging, glass bottles by Stanpac, Inc. and small scale bottling equipment. Plus, legal requirements of off-farm sales, and more.

Register now for this market-building program. It includes lunch, optional 9 a.m. tour of Klackle’s new cider-making operation, 11466 W. Carson City Rd. (M-57), Greenville, Mich.

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

For more information, call Denise Donohue or Diane Smith at Michigan Apple Association at (517) 669-8353.