The Cider Institute, the non-profit organisation advancing the science and craft of cider production, has announced the first UK offering of its flagship cidermaking course, Cider and Perry Production — A Foundation.
Scheduled for 16th–20th March. 2026, this hands-on, immersive programme will take place at NIAB, in East Malling, Kent, giving cider producers a unique opportunity to expand their skills and knowledge.
Designed for both seasoned producers and aspiring cidermakers, the training offers comprehensive, science-based instruction in juice chemistry, fermentation, blending, packaging, lab analysis, sensory evaluation, and quality control.
Participants will gain practical skills directly from internationally recognised instructors, combining rigorous scientific
principles with real-world applications that can immediately enhance production and product quality.
This UK launch represents a major milestone for the Cider Institute, which recently rebranded to reflect its growing international reach and impact. Formerly known as the Cider Institute of North America (CINA), the organisation has trained nearly 2,000 cidermakers across 44 US states, eight provinces, and 28 countries. It has established a reputation for high-
quality, practical education that blends science and craft.
“Offering this course in the UK gives more producers direct access to the expert, hands-on training that has supported cidermakers around the world since 2016,” said executive director Brighid O’Keane.
The programme also fills a notable gap in the international cider education landscape following the retirement of industry veteran Peter Mitchell, of the UK Cider and Perry Academy.
Participants in this course are candidates for the industry-recognised Foundation Certificate in Cider andPerry Production. “This course is essential for current producers and those entering professional cidermaking,” said Joey Courchesne, head
cidermaker at Annapolis Cider Company, in Nova Scotia. “The instructors offer engaging, practical content in a welcoming environment.”
To find out more and register, click here.
