Engelsma’s Apple Barn of Walker, Mich. Wins 27th Annual Cider Contest
Cider Maker’s Eighth First Place Win in History of Contest
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Engelsma’s Apple Barn of Walker, Mich., won first place at the 27th annual Michigan Apple Cider Contest, marking their eighth first place win in the contest. The competition took place at DeVos Convention Center on December 10, with 22 Michigan cider makers participating. Jim and Becky Engelsma are owners of Engelsma’s Apple Barn, and their daughter Bridget is the cider maker.
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill in Armada, Mich., earned second place in the contest. The third place winner was Klein Cider Mill in Sparta, Mich.
“The annual cider contest offers cider makers a unique opportunity to share ideas, celebrate their craft, and strengthen connections within the industry,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, co-sponsor of the event. “From tending orchards to perfecting recipes, cider makers dedicate tremendous effort to producing the exceptional ciders enjoyed by so many.”
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.