GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Farmer White’s of Williamsburg, Mich., won first place at the 26th annual Michigan Apple Cider Contest. The competition took place at DeVos Convention Center on December 11, with 19 Michigan cider makers participating. Mary and Vincent Cooper are the owners of Farmer White’s.
Klein Cider Mill, located in Sparta, Mich., earned second place in the contest. The third place winner was Apple Barrel Cider of Ithaca, Mich.
“The annual cider contest is a great way for cider makers to connect and learn from one another,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, co-sponsor of the contest. “Cider makers put in a lot of hard work to make their delicious cider, whether it be growing their own apples or changing up their recipe to make the best cider.”
The Michigan Apple Cider Contest began in 1997. Contest creator Bob Tritten wanted to help improve cider making, promote the industry and educate the public. Dr. Derek Plotkowski, Fruit Extension Educator for MSU Extension directs the contest, having taken over in 2023 from Tritten.
The contest is sponsored by the Michigan Apple Committee, the Michigan State Horticultural Society and the Fruit Growers News.
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit www.MichiganApples.com.
— Michigan Apple Committee
