Membership Application

Association Background:

We are excited you are considering joining the Ontario Craft Cider Association which has been in existence since 2012 and has grown to over 40 members. Our goal is to continue to expand the association with the core mandate of assisting our members in growing their Ontario Craft Cider business. The association focuses on dialogue with key Ontario Craft Cider retailers (LCBO, grocery, etc) and focused marketing efforts through the multi-year, multi-million Ontario Craft Cider Marketing Fund that will benefit all members. Overall, OCCA acts as a vehicle to develop and promote the Craft Cider industry in Ontario and as an educational forum for the consumer as well as industry members. The Ontario Craft Cider Association’s (OCCA) mission has always been to support and promote the interests of Ontario Cider Producers and foster a sustainable cider industry within the province. The association upholds the values of traditional cider making and draws from this heritage to create high quality and pure ciders. Membership is open to all bona fide practicing cider and perry makers and all those who have a genuine and active interest in the production of cider within Ontario, and whose applications for membership are approved by The Board.



Once a complete membership application is received by the Secretary of the association it will be added to the agenda of the next available Board Meeting for review and approval. The applicant will be notified of the meeting date and again when the Board has reviewed the application and its decision. A register of membership will be maintained by Secretary. Each member shall be assigned a membership number associated with their year of joining. Please note that your regular dues will be calculated and invoiced annually. Dues may be paid with post-dated cheques upon arrangement with accounting. Please scan and return your completed packet as a PDF document by email to Janice Ruddock at janice@ontariocraftcider.com.

New Membership Registration

Member Benefits

  • The opportunity to have the latest news and opportunities within the Ontario Craft Cider industry saving your own time in trying to search out up to date information on the Ontario Craft Cider industry.
  • Added to our list of member craft cider producers in Ontario on our website Drink On Apples so consumers know you are a qualified Ontario Craft Cider producer
  • Added to our email mailing list of craft cider producers to be able to network with other Ontario Craft Cider producers plus always know you have the most up to date information
  • Ability to add the Drink ON Apples logo on your products and participate in all Drink ON Apples activities;
  • Access to the member area on our website to connect with fellow producers.
  • Access to promotional and marketing offers for OCCA members from LCBO & other partner organizations that are exclusive to OCCA members
  • Ability to participate in OCCA’s social media programs which are robust and will drive consumers to increase their interest in your products.
  • Access to participate in OCCA events promoting craft cider
  • Voting rights at annual meeting, eligibility to hold a position on the Board & attend OCCA meetings when approved by the executive

Membership Fees

Please Note:

  1. If payment is not received after 9 months of issuance, the membership will be automatically nullified.
  2. All OCCA references or logo use on any packaging or promotional materials must be removed within 3 months of cancelling your membership. Failure to do so will result in legal proceedings including an accounting for profits for the time period where OCCA benefit has been derived without membership status
Production Level Membership Fee
Tier 1 0-14,000 L $435 + HST
Tier 2 14,000 – 50,000 L $735 + HST
Tier 3 50,000 L – 150,000 L $1,890 + HST
Tier 4 150,000 L – 250,000 L $3,045 + HST
Tier 5 More than 250,000 L $4,200 + HST
Tier 6 Over 1,000,000 L $6,200 + HST

SECTION A

Marketing Information

Production Information

SECTION B - Agreements (please initial under each statement)

I hereby declare that the information provided by me on this form is true, complete and correct, to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that a false statement may be considered sufficient reason to withhold the authorization of the membership or to cancel or suspend any such membership if granted.

Cider Definition

Cider Definition

Ontario Craft Cider/Cidery is defined as:

Hard cider produced from 100% Ontario grown apples or pears, as defined by the Ontario Apple Growers Apple producing districts. Of which the finished product must be 85% Ontario grown apples/pears. (no artificial flavourings). (Amend AGM Feb 2016)

  1. i. Juices from pressed apples/pears must contain a minimum specific gravity of 1.040. ii. Production must adhere to the Canadian Food & Drug Regulations B.02.120 and B. 02.122 with the exclusion of B.02.120 (b) (ii) which states that cider may have added to it during the course of manufacture – concentrated apple juice. Ontario Craft Cider may have concentrated apple juice added provided that the concentrate is from 100% real Ontario apples/pears of local origin (ie. Ice Cider. Cryo-concentrated or cryo-extracted apple juice) iii. Must be produced in its entirety in a licensed facility in Ontario by an Ontario certified Craft Cidery. iv. Product must adhere to all other governing regulations in order to be sold commercially in Ontario v. Annual production of 2.5 million litres or less of cider sold in Ontario vi. Craft Cidery must be Canadian owned and operated vii. Emergency Clause.
    In order to be qualified as an estate cider, you must grow 100% of your apples that are used in the cider, as well as ferment on site. The final product blend must be 100% apple or pear juice. No sugar or flavours added. It can be single variety or blend, and must be vintage dated..

Vision & Mission Statement

VISION STATEMENT

Our vision is to develop and maintain a world class cider industry in the province of Ontario using only local fruit and craft methods.
Creditentials

MISSION STATEMENT

The Ontario Craft Cider Association’s (OCCA) mission is to support and promote the interests of Ontario Cider Producers and foster a sustainable cider industry within the province. OCCA acts as a vehicle to develop and promote the Craft Cider industry in Ontario and as an educational forum for the consumer as well as industry members. The association upholds the values of traditional cider making and draws from this heritage to create high quality and pure ciders.

2025 Board of Directors

Name Email Position Phone
Jenifer Dean Chair 613-827-7246
Nick Sutcliffe Vice Chair 416-201-2101
Amy Robson Secretary 289-324-0312
Chris Thompson Treasurer
Derek Cartlidge Member at Large
Walter Vaz Member at Large

Executive Director

Janice A. Ruddock – Direct Line 226.791.4792
Email: janice@ontariocraftcider.com

Marketing Director

Lynn Sullivan – Direct Line 613.921.9028
Email: lynn@drinkonapples.com