Hard Cider Sees Modest Growth in 2025

Flavor innovations and health-conscious offerings drive sales increase after 2024 declines

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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After suffering declines in 2024, hard cider was able to turn its performance around in 2025, showcasing modest 2% sales growth, led by top brand Angry Orchard's 3.6% increase. Experts attribute the growth to flavor innovations and the segment's appeal as a more indulgent, yet health-conscious, alcoholic beverage option.

Why it matters

The hard cider segment has struggled to gain traction in the U.S. market, which has historically been dominated by beer and spirits. However, the 2025 sales increase suggests that cider-makers' focus on flavor innovations and health-conscious offerings may be resonating with consumers, providing a potential path for the category to grow its market share.

The details

In 2025, hard cider sales reached $502 million in total U.S. multi-outlets, grocery, drug, mass merchandisers, convenience, military, and select club and dollar retailers, according to Circana data. Of the top 10 cider brands, eight showcased growth. Experts note that the segment's flavor-forward profile, as well as its positioning as a gluten-free and lower-calorie alcoholic beverage option, have contributed to the sales increase.

  • For the 52 weeks ending Dec. 28, 2025, hard cider sales data was recorded.
  • In 2024, hard cider sales had declined.

The players

Circana

A market research firm that provided data and insights on the hard cider segment's performance in 2025.

NielsenIQ (NIQ)

A market research firm that recorded a 1.6% sales growth for hard cider in 2025 and connected it to the segment's flavor-forward profile.

S&D Insights LLC

A market research firm that highlighted hard cider's natural, gluten-free, and flavor trend attributes as influencing the market.

Angry Orchard

The top hard cider brand, which saw a 3.6% sales increase in 2025.

2 Towns Ciderhouse

A cider producer that released a new flavor, Huckleberry Cosmic Crips Imperial, in the fall of 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Cider did end up growing. It was up 1.6% versus a year ago, and while that growth was relatively small, I think that it's had some impact from the flavor trend that's happening.”

— Kaleigh Theriault, Beverage alcohol thought leader (NielsenIQ)

“Some trends driving the increase in hard cider consumption is the demand for flavorful alcoholic beverage options, as well as increasing demand for gluten free options due to dietary restrictions.”

— Christal Torres, Senior manager II of client insights (Circana)

“This cider is tart, woodsy, and berry-forward with a hint of grip on the finish. The Cosmic Crisp apples pair beautifully with huckleberries and blueberries to build a rich and layered fruit character, while a touch of Oregon grown cranberry ties it all together.”

— Dave Takush, Head cidermaker (2 Towns Ciderhouse)

What’s next

Cider-makers will likely continue to focus on flavor innovations, such as fruit-forward and citrus-based offerings, to drive growth in the hard cider segment and appeal to evolving consumer preferences.

The takeaway

While hard cider still faces challenges in the U.S. market, the 2025 sales increase suggests that the segment's focus on flavor innovations and health-conscious positioning may be paying off. As the beer market looks to build on its recent growth, hard cider could have an opportunity to capture more market share by continuing to differentiate itself through unique flavor profiles and dietary attributes.