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As the days grow shorter, the nights grow longer, and that first cold snap hits the air, two things are certain. Fall is coming and apple cider season is upon us. Cider has long been a staple of the fall and winter seasons and is also a profitable coffee alternative for any menu board. To ensure a successful cider season, Upper Midwest Gourmet has compiled the following list of five tips that will help boost your sales and please your customers.
1. In-store Promotion is a Must
Due to the seasonal nature of cider, customers must be informed of its availability as a menu option. Highlighting cider drinks as specials, putting up a counter sign and table tents, or even advertising can be used to get the word out. These promotional materials should not only bring awareness to the avid cider drinker, but will also help tap into the nostalgic demand of regular coffee drinkers.
2. Steam + Cream = Green (It Almost Rhymes)
Rather than simply handing over a basic mug of cider, it helps to add some ambiance to the preparation. Using the steam wand on an espresso machine to churn the mug of cider will not only make it frothier and release its aroma, but it will also make the drink more special for the customer. The more special a drink is, the more you can charge for it. Another nice value-adding touch is to top the mug with a dollop of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.
3. Get Creative
Along similar lines, the more unique a drink is, the more you can charge for it. By creating signature drinks you can differentiate yourself from the other players in town. By adding orange rind, ginger, or any other final touches of your choice, you can create excitement for your seasonal offering. “Hey Jill, I hear Café XYZ is doing their ginger twist cider again. Bring the kids… and your wallet!” (Ok that was cheesy but you get the point)
4. Suggest Food Pairings
What better way to increase the average customer’s order than by selling complimentary products together. Cider will pair very well with scones, pies, pastries, and other baked goods. As long as you’re offering a cider special, why not also offer a “cider and slice of apple pie” special.
5. Reduce Waste (Warning: Shameless Plug for the Mountain Cider Company)
Cider can sometimes be a handful because of the refrigerator space it requires and the fact that it spoils within a week. By throwing away bad cider you are throwing away profits. This may tempt some to buy those powdered cider packets you see in the grocery store. Here at the Mountain Cider Company we refer to that as “chemical water”. Instead, we suggest you use the Mountain Cider Company’s all natural Hot Spiced Apple Cider concentrate. Our cider is just like what you would get from the orchard only it has been spiced and boiled down, giving it a shelf life of a year and a half without any preservatives. Even after our jugs are open they maintain shelf stability without having to be refrigerated. If you prefer to make cider in batches, a container of our cider can be reheated daily for a week without losing its flavor integrity. Talk about cider made easy!
So there you have it, five surefire tips for getting the most out of your cider season. We love to hear how our customers use our products, so if you have any other good tips feel free to let us know.
