In 2024, Blake’s Beverage Company became the largest independent cider company in the nation, entering new markets both domestically and internationally and reporting significant growth alongside strong brand positioning. As the collaborative voice of three leading cider brands—Blake’s Hard Cider, Austin Eastciders, and AVID Cider Co.—Blake’s continues to invest in the health of the category, working to solidify cider’s rightful place as America’s Drink.
“2024 was a transformative year for us,” said Andrew Blake, Founder and CEO of Blake’s Beverage Company. “Our mission at the beginning of the year was simple: build a platform to become a disruptive, next-generation beverage company that creates products for the next generation of drinkers, helping to foster fun and connection. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made in the last twelve months.”
Blake’s was the fastest growing cider company in the country for the second half of 2024, with growth accelerated by expansion into 14 new markets. Cider lovers can now find Blake’s cider in 41 states and Japan following the cider makers first international distribution this year.
Michigan’s Blake’s Hard Cider currently stands as the fastest growing cidery in the country. Ranking #5 in the category in overall sales, Blake’s Hard Cider reports an incredible 32% increase totaling $2.6 million in growth YTD. Their flagship cider, Triple Jam (6.5% ABV), a semi-sweet cider made from real berries, remains the number one and fastest growing fruit-flavored cider in the country, up an impressive 22% for the year in its sixth year of distribution. Blake’s Hard Cider’s robust flagship American Apple Imperial Hard Cider (8% ABV) is up 38% YTD, with 6-packs moving into the #5 imperial cider in U.S. Total Food in the last 13 weeks.
Known for staying ahead of fruit-forward cider trends, Blake’s Hard Cider’s innovative Fully Loaded Imperial Variety Pack released this summer strategically targeted a market opportunity in the higher-ABV cider space. The cidery’s seasonal series is also a platform for innovation, rotating thoughtful seasonal flavors, and is currently #2 in the country by volume. The fall-flavored Cider Mill Donut (6.5% ABV) released for the first time this year was the most successful limited launch in Blake's Hard Cider history. Overall, Blake’s is recognized as the #1 cidery in its home state of Michigan. Its lineup dominates the Michigan cider market, encompassing seven of the Top 10 selling ciders in the state; and the company is currently growing by double digits in 18 states.
Austin Eastciders holds the #8 spot among cideries in the US and consistently ranks as Texas’ top-selling (and favorite) cidery, with a lineup that occupies six spots in the Top 10 selling ciders throughout the Lone Star State. Their Original Dry (5% ABV) is the #3 dry cider in Total US Food YTD. In 2024, Austin Eastciders was an official sponsor of Austin City Limits, Austin's premier music festival, which showcased three of their refreshingly unexpected flavors: Original Dry (5% ABV), Imperial Tropical Punch (8.3% ABV) and Blood Orange (5% ABV). The decade-old company also underwent a dynamic packaging refresh designed to celebrate the vibrancy, fun and charm of their home state.
Oregon-based AVID Cider Co. is the Pacific Northwest's go-to cider, representing Blake’s Beverage Company in the country's largest apple-growing region. As the year comes to a close, Avid reports 5% growth YTD. Known for ciders crafted from locally sourced apples, Avid is committed to product innovation, expanding distribution channels and strengthening their local market share. True to their Pacific Northwest roots, they proudly launched a new program in 2024, Northwest to Our Core, that gives back to local conservation organizations.
***All data referenced is measured by Circana (formerly IRI) and represents TUS by dollars (L52W TUS MULO ending 12/01/2024)
ABOUT BLAKE’S BEVERAGE COMPANY
Launched in 2023, Blake’s Beverage Company is a collaboration of three industry-leading cider brands pressing a singular mission to reclaim cider’s rightful place as America’s drink. With a national footprint and cideries in Michigan, Texas, Oregon, and New York, Blake’s Beverage Company maintains a passion for bold, fruit-forward beverages, fresh ingredients, and a commitment to craft. Find ciders from Michigan’s top cidery Blake’s Hard Cider, Texas’ top cidery Austin Eastciders, and Oregon’s AVID Cider Co. at retail in over 40 states. For more information on Blake’s Beverage Company and its relentless dedication to the cider cause, visit blakesbevco.com.
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