What is craft cider?
Craft cider is an informal marketing term for cider from independent producers who emphasise fruit quality, smaller batches or traditional methods. It is not a single legal definition in the UK or US. CAMRA's real cider rules and French artisanal terms are clearer yardsticks when you need something more precise than craft on a label.
Updated
Key facts
- Informal term. No single UK/US legal craft-cider grade.
- Clearer labels. CAMRA real cider; French artisanal rules. [1]
- Signal. Often independent makers and fresh-juice emphasis.
How is craft cider different from real cider?
CAMRA defines real cider as fermented from the whole juice of fresh pressed apples without concentrated or chaptalised juices. [1] "Craft" on a shelf can still mean concentrate-based cider from a small brand. Full campaign rules: what real cider is. French labelling: what artisanal cider is.
How is craft cider different from commercial cider?
"Craft" is not a single legal grade. In practice it often signals a smaller maker, juice-led recipes rather than high concentrate, and fewer industrial add-ons than the biggest retail brands. CAMRA's real-cider framing stresses fresh juice and process honesty rather than a marketing badge. [1] The guide types of cider — craft cider sketches modern label use. Buying in the UK: where to buy craft cider in the UK.
How can I tell if a cider is craft in practice?
Look for maker size, juice statements, "not from concentrate" claims and whether a recognised campaign or AOC/AOP mark appears. None of those alone equals "craft" as a statute.
Related answers: what real cider is · what artisanal cider is
Find it on Cider Radar
Discover independent cideries on the map — Cider Radar lists 2,329 cider makers (as of 2026-10-02).
Open a maker profile for site, social and place links before you buy.
Open the map: app.ciderradar.com · iPhone · Android
Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.
Questions
Is there a legal definition of craft cider?
No single UK or US legal "craft cider" grade. French artisanal rules are separate — what artisanal cider is.
Sources
- What are real cider & perry? — CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale)