CiderCon 2026, the leading professional event in the global cider industry, closed its doors yesterday in Providence, Rhode Island, after three days of intense activity, with more than 400 attendees, including cider makers from across the United States and international representatives. From the start, Asturies was present thanks to the participation of LA SIDRA correspondent Llucía Fernández, who covered the event and brought Asturian cider culture to one of the sector’s key forums.
The 2026 edition featured strong participation from North American producers from the East Coast, Midwest, and West Coast, as well as a notable presence from the Baltic countries, highlighting the growing cider industry in this European region, increasingly influential in technical and cultural discussions on contemporary cider.
Throughout CiderCon, workshops, specialized talks, tastings, and professional networking sessions were held, addressing industry challenges, the evolution of cider styles, production sustainability, and strategies for international collaboration.
Llucía Fernández attended workshops, meetings, and professional events, promoting Asturian cider as a living culture, while also showcasing the SISGA as an international reference platform and the City Council of Xixón as a tourist destination and city committed to cider and its international projection. This outreach work helped open conversations and connections with U.S. cider professionals and organizations.
During CiderCon, LA SIDRA’s correspondent also held meetings with the leadership of the American Cider Association (ACA) and members of cider associations from New York and Michigan, aiming to establish future collaborations within Cider Cities and other cultural and professional exchange projects. At the close of the event, LA SIDRA’s delegate expressed satisfaction with the work carried out during CiderCon 2026, highlighting the positive reception and deep interest in Asturian cider, as well as the opportunities to strengthen its international presence. “What is truly regrettable is the lack of representation from Asturian cideries here” she noted, emphasizing that the presence of Asturian cider is a widely requested feature among the U.S. audience.
The 2026 edition of CiderCon confirms the global maturity and expansion of the cider industry and underscores the importance of these events in building bridges between territories. From Providence, Asturies demonstrated once again its commitment to being present in the spaces where the future of cider is decided, contributing culture, experience, and a willingness for international collaboration.
