In a major transfer for the craft cider trade, 2 Cities Ciderhouse, Oregon’s largest cidery and the second-largest in america, has acquired the Seattle Cider model. The announcement, made in early January 2026, unites two distinguished Pacific Northwest craft cider producers underneath one umbrella, aiming to strengthen their collective presence in a aggressive market.
Background on the Firms
2 Cities Ciderhouse, primarily based in Corvallis, Oregon, has constructed a fame for high-quality, modern ciders since its founding. Recognized for emphasizing conventional cidermaking methods with a contemporary twist, the corporate has grown steadily, incomes accolades together with Cidermaker of the Yr honors. It operates a considerable manufacturing facility and distributes extensively throughout the U.S.
Seattle Cider Firm, based in 2013 in Seattle, Washington, emerged as a spin-off from the now-defunct Two Beers Brewing. The model gained recognition for its inventive, fruit-forward ciders and dedication to premium, approachable craft merchandise. It operated a manufacturing facility and taproom in Seattle’s Sodo neighborhood.
Previous to the acquisition, Seattle Cider was owned by the French agricultural cooperative Agrial.
Particulars of the Acquisition
The deal includes the sale of the Seattle Cider model to 2 Cities Ciderhouse for an undisclosed sum. Manufacturing of Seattle Cider merchandise will transition to 2 Cities’ facility in Corvallis, Oregon, permitting the model to proceed underneath new stewardship whereas benefiting from better scale and assets.
The switch is anticipated to finish by the tip of February 2026. As a part of the shift, Seattle Cider’s Seattle-based operations—together with its manufacturing website and taproom—will wind down and shut within the coming months. This consolidation addresses challenges confronted by midsize craft producers, similar to rising operational prices in city areas like downtown Seattle and restricted economies of scale in a maturing cider market.
Seattle Cider’s management highlighted the strategic rationale, noting latest gross sales development however emphasizing the necessity for long-term monetary sustainability. They expressed confidence in 2 Cities Ciderhouse as a accomplice that shares comparable values round high quality and craftsmanship.
Statements from the Firms
Andy Kay, CEO of Seattle Cider’s dad or mum firm, acknowledged: “Our gross sales have been growing over the previous twelve months, however the mixture of the rising price of doing enterprise close to to downtown Seattle, and being a midsize participant within the craft cider market with low economies of scale, meant that we had a tough resolution to make for the long run monetary sustainability of the Seattle Cider manufacturers. We’re honored that 2 Cities Ciderhouse, who share the identical values and dedication to premium craft merchandise as we do, will proceed to develop the Seattle Cider manufacturers and we are going to work collectively by the transition interval over the subsequent couple of months to make sure a profitable switch.”
From 2 Cities Ciderhouse’s perspective, the acquisition expands their portfolio, reinforces their dedication to cider’s nationwide development, and positions them to leverage elevated capability. The corporate is already planning a significant 20,000-square-foot enlargement at its Corvallis facility, which is able to enhance manufacturing by 70%.
Implications for the Cider Trade
This acquisition displays broader tendencies within the craft beverage sector, the place consolidation helps smaller or midsize manufacturers obtain sustainability amid rising prices, provide chain pressures (similar to aluminum for canning), and competitors from bigger gamers. By preserving the Seattle Cider model alive and integrating it into a bigger operation, 2 Cities goals to protect client favorites whereas driving effectivity and broader distribution.
Followers of Seattle Cider can count on continuity in product high quality and availability, now backed by one of many nation’s prime cider producers. The transfer strengthens the Pacific Northwest’s function as a cider powerhouse and indicators optimism for the class’s future development.
Because the transition unfolds in early 2026, the trade will watch carefully to see how this partnership elevates each manufacturers in an evolving market. Cheers to continued innovation in craft cider!
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