Pacific Northwest Cider Powerhouse: 2 Towns Ciderhouse Acquires Seattle Cider
In a significant move for the craft cider industry, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Oregon’s largest cidery and the second-largest in the United States, has acquired the Seattle Cider brand. The announcement, made in early January 2026, unites two prominent Pacific Northwest craft cider producers under one umbrella, aiming to strengthen their collective presence in a competitive market.
Background on the Companies
2 Towns Ciderhouse, based in Corvallis, Oregon, has built a reputation for high-quality, innovative ciders since its founding. Known for emphasizing traditional cidermaking techniques with a modern twist, the company has grown steadily, earning accolades including Cidermaker of the Year honors. It operates a substantial production facility and distributes widely across the U.S.
Seattle Cider Company, founded in 2013 in Seattle, Washington, emerged as a spin-off from the now-defunct Two Beers Brewing. The brand gained popularity for its creative, fruit-forward ciders and commitment to premium, approachable craft products. It operated a production facility and taproom in Seattle’s Sodo neighborhood.
Prior to the acquisition, Seattle Cider was owned by the French agricultural cooperative Agrial.
Details of the Acquisition
The deal involves the sale of the Seattle Cider brand to 2 Towns Ciderhouse for an undisclosed sum. Production of Seattle Cider products will transition to 2 Towns’ facility in Corvallis, Oregon, allowing the brand to continue under new stewardship while benefiting from greater scale and resources.
The transfer is expected to complete by the end of February 2026. As part of the shift, Seattle Cider’s Seattle-based operations—including its production site and taproom—will wind down and close in the coming months. This consolidation addresses challenges faced by midsize craft producers, such as rising operational costs in urban areas like downtown Seattle and limited economies of scale in a maturing cider market.
Seattle Cider’s leadership highlighted the strategic rationale, noting recent sales growth but emphasizing the need for long-term financial sustainability. They expressed confidence in 2 Towns Ciderhouse as a partner that shares similar values around quality and craftsmanship.
Statements from the Companies
Andy Kay, CEO of Seattle Cider’s parent company, stated: “Our sales have been increasing over the past twelve months, but the combination of the growing cost of doing business near to downtown Seattle, and being a midsize player in the craft cider market with low economies of scale, meant that we had a hard decision to make for the long term financial sustainability of the Seattle Cider brands. We are honored that 2 Towns Ciderhouse, who share the same values and commitment to premium craft products as we do, will continue to grow the Seattle Cider brands and we will work together through the transition period over the next couple of months to ensure a successful transfer.”
From 2 Towns Ciderhouse’s perspective, the acquisition expands their portfolio, reinforces their commitment to cider’s nationwide growth, and positions them to leverage increased capacity. The company is already planning a major 20,000-square-foot expansion at its Corvallis facility, which will boost production by 70%.
Implications for the Cider Industry
This acquisition reflects broader trends in the craft beverage sector, where consolidation helps smaller or midsize brands achieve sustainability amid rising costs, supply chain pressures (such as aluminum for canning), and competition from larger players. By keeping the Seattle Cider brand alive and integrating it into a larger operation, 2 Towns aims to preserve consumer favorites while driving efficiency and broader distribution.
Fans of Seattle Cider can expect continuity in product quality and availability, now backed by one of the country’s top cider producers. The move strengthens the Pacific Northwest’s role as a cider powerhouse and signals optimism for the category’s future growth.
As the transition unfolds in early 2026, the industry will watch closely to see how this partnership elevates both brands in an evolving market. Cheers to continued innovation in craft cider!
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