Hello everyone,
The written categories of the Canadian Cider Awards are now open for their second year, with submissions accepted until the deadline below.
Submission deadline: November 10th, 2026 – Submission form
These awards celebrate the people, businesses and organizations strengthening Canada’s cider and mead community beyond the beverage itself. Whether you are a producer, grower, beekeeper, designer, marketer, educator, advocate or industry partner, there may be a category that recognizes your contribution.
Our inaugural 2026 awards program received 172 entries from 45 organizations and individuals across its combined streams, with recipients recognized in eight written categories. This year, we are inviting submissions across all nine written categories, building on the creativity, leadership and commitment celebrated in that first edition. Winners will be announced alongside the tasting submissions that happened under the Canada Beer Cup, WineAlign, BC Brewing Awards and Cider Connect, in early 2027. There is still time to submit for our tasting awards under the Cider Connect program.
You may submit your own work or nominate another person, business or organization. Cider and mead contributions are both welcome, subject to the focus of each category.
Written award categories
Support Documentation: Canadian Cider Awards 2027 — Written Submission Guidelines and Examples / Guide de mise en candidature et exemples
Sustainability Award
Recognizing efforts and practices that promote environmental sustainability and responsible production in the cider and mead industry. Examples include conserving water or energy, reducing waste, improving agricultural practices and supporting biodiversity.
2026 recipient: Clinton Cavers / Wooden Gate Cider (Manitoba).
Packaging & Design Excellence
Celebrating exceptional branding, design and packaging that communicate a product’s identity and enhance the consumer experience. Entries may highlight creative formats, distinctive visual storytelling, accessible design, functionality or environmentally responsible materials.
2026 recipient: Island Folk Cider House (Nova Scotia).
Marketing Campaign of the Year
Honouring creative and effective campaigns that have increased brand visibility, strengthened consumer engagement or helped audiences discover Canadian cider or mead. Share the campaign’s goals, approach and results.
2026 recipient: Drink Ontario Apples Campaign / OCCA (Ontario).
Rising Star Award
Recognizing emerging talent and newcomers who have demonstrated remarkable promise, initiative, craftsmanship or innovation in the cider and mead industry. Contributions may be in production, agriculture, marketing, education or other areas of the sector.
2026 recipient: Wesley Hunter / 1818 Farm & Cidery (Ontario).
Community Impact Award
Honouring a cidery, meadery, individual or organization whose investment in its local community has made a meaningful difference through employment, partnerships, philanthropy, education or engagement.
2026 recipient: Sea Cider (British Columbia).
Young Entrepreneur Award (Ages 19–35)
Celebrating the leadership, innovation and accomplishments of an entrepreneur aged 19–35 who is contributing to the cider or mead industry, whether through a new venture, business development or a fresh approach to an existing operation.
2026 recipient: Liam McKercher / Crossmount Cider Company (Saskatchewan).
Cider Ambassador of the Year
Honouring individuals or organizations that champion Canadian cider and mead through education, media, events, advocacy or public engagement, helping more people discover and appreciate the sector.
2026 recipient: The Cider Crate / Bethany Rooke (Ontario).
Apple Advocate Award
Recognizing an individual or business that strengthens the agricultural foundations of cider and mead through apple or honey production, heritage varieties, orchard preservation, grower support or related stewardship.
2026 co-recipients: Salt Spring Apple Company (British Columbia) and Martha Lowry / Woodfolk Cider (Ontario).
Spirit of Cider
Named in honour of the lasting legacy of Grant Howes of The County Cider Company, this award recognizes an individual or organization whose long-standing dedication, mentorship, collaboration and contributions have helped shape the culture and history of the Canadian cider or mead community. It may be awarded posthumously.
In the inaugural year, this award was not presented competitively; recognition was dedicated entirely to Grant Howes, the award’s namesake. We welcome nominations that demonstrate the enduring influence and historical contribution this award celebrates.
How to submit
You can enter multiple categories through a single form. Complete only the categories you wish to enter and leave the others blank.
For each entry, explain what was achieved, who was involved and why it matters. Aim for approximately 300–350 words, supported by relevant examples, results, photographs, designs, testimonials or links. Spirit of Cider nominations may warrant a longer submission to explain the nominee’s history and lasting influence.
For an individual nominee, include their full name, role or title, organization if applicable, and contact information where available. Clearly identify the nominee within each relevant category, particularly when different people or organizations are nominated through the same form.
You do not need a professionally written nomination. A clear account of meaningful work, supported by specific examples, will help reviewers understand the contribution and its impact.
Submission guidance and examples
Eligibility and fees
Written submissions are free for Cider Canada / Cidre Canada members in good standing. Non-members and lapsed members may participate at a cost of $50 per submission.
Industry partners may also submit entries where their work fits the relevant category. Please contact us before submitting if you are unsure of your membership status or how eligibility applies to an individual or partner nomination.
Recognition for recipients
Award recipients will receive a free digital award asset for use in their marketing, a listing on the Canadian Cider Awards website, and promotion through Cider Canada / Cidre Canada’s social media, newsletter and awards communications. Recipients will also have the opportunity to purchase a physical award.
From an innovative design or successful campaign to a community partnership or a lifetime of mentorship, these awards are an opportunity to recognize the work that helps our industry grow.
Please share your story—and consider nominating a colleague, collaborator or industry champion whose contribution deserves recognition.
Questions about submissions, eligibility or membership? Contact info@cidercanada.ca.
Cheers,
Barry Rooke
Executive Director – Cider Canada / Cidre Canada
On behalf of the Awards Committee