Albemarle County Cider Mill Expands Production to Meet Growing East Coast Demand

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – Potter’s Craft Cider, an Albemarle County hard cider producer, is relocating and expanding production to meet growing demand outside of the state.

“We are entering an exciting new chapter for Potter’s Craft Cider and we are delighted to be moving to a new production facility,” said Tim Edmond, co-founder of Potter’s Craft Cider. “We are immensely grateful for the support we have received from our community, the Commonwealth and Albemarle County.”

The company will take over a vacant 11,500 square foot warehouse in the Woolen Mills neighborhood near downtown Charlottesville to house the new cider house.

The project will result in $900,000 of new capital investment, the creation of eight new jobs and a tripling of production capacity leading to the purchase of an additional 1.5 million pounds of Virginia-grown apples over the next three years .

Potter’s Craft Cider was established in 2011 by Tim Edmond and Dan Potter as one of Virginia’s first hard cider houses. Using Virginia-grown heirloom and traditional cider apples, the company is known for producing farmhouse-style dry ciders.

During the pandemic, Potter’s Craft Cider turned to increased wholesale distribution. The strategy has been effective, with sales growing 30% and an expanding market presence on the East Coast.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has partnered with Albemarle County to secure this project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin announced a discretionary allocation of $50,000 from the Governor’s Agricultural and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID), which is administered by VDACS. Albemarle County and the Albemarle County Economic Development Authority will match the grant with local funds.

“Potter’s Craft Cider’s commitment to supporting local growers and making innovative beverages inspires Virginians to celebrate the rich heritage of apple farming in the Commonwealth,” Governor Glenn Youngkin said. “We’re excited for their expansion as the cider they produce draws people from near and far to get a taste of Virginia and experience the unparalleled vibe that life here offers.”