Ontario commits $6 million to boost local cider industry

The provincial government is recognizing the growth of the cider industry in Ontario and committing $6 million in marketing funding to support local businesses.

Kimberly Schneider owns Duntroon Cider House and Farm in Clearview. Her business is one of 27 craft beverage producers in Simcoe County, and she said the funding will support local growers and producers.

"It will give us such an opportunity to work together with the County, with each of the townships on promoting tourism and each of our ciders, so its very exciting," Schneider.

Tourism is a vital part of her business, and Schneider said it gives customers the chance to view the 106-acre property and the work that goes into producing the cider.

"Everything is 100 per cent Ontario-grown apples, and also all of the jobs and all of the people that we employ through all of the different businesses that we touch to get our product out to the market, not only what you are seeing here with the growing of the apple. There are other farmers and orchards that we are working with, with our orchards as well," said Schneider.

Across the region, Heritage Estate Winery and Cidery is also preparing for the season and future seasons to come, planting 500 new apple trees throughout the grounds.

The Barrie business is also encouraged by the provincial funding, a needed boost that will help to support the longevity of the industry.

"We are definitely excited for this investment. It's expensive to start out a cidery. It's an investment in not only the tourism and the cider itself but also in agriculture and growing 100 per cent Ontario apples," said Sheena Tolland, Heritage Estate Vineyard and Cideries manager.

As for what's next, local cideries say they will find out how that funding will be utilized at a virtual meeting next week by the Ontario Craft Cider Association.