The cider industry has taken a big step forward this year with the release of the Certified Cider Professional (CCP) program. Developed by the United States Association of Cider Makers (USACM), the online program (which includes an exam) is the cider world’s answer to beer’s cicerone and wine’s sommelier.
“We thought it was up to the USACM to help define what cider is and to create a base level of education,” said Paul Vander Heide, the chair of the Certified Cider Professional program committee that created the test.
When the USACM looked at the landscape of cider education, it saw a real opportunity to guide the conversation. The thinking goes that if you can create a baseline knowledge that all cider producers, distributors, retailers and enthusiasts have, that knowledge will help drive the market forward and increase awareness for all cider products. Beyond offering quality products, education is undoubtedly the key to bolstering cider’s reputation and appeal. READ MORE…
