Annapolis Cider Company: The premium brand that increases its presence with Petainer´s one-way solution

Founded in 2016 with a vision to create a genuine expression of Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, Annapolis Cider Company is a locally-owned family business that has grown into one of Canada’s leading premium cider brands. Working closely with local fruit growers, the cidery produces expertly crafted, cold-fermented ciders that maintain a perfect balance of freshly pressed juice and light carbonation.

With over 50,000 visitors touring its Wolfville facilities each year, Annapolis Cider Company has built a reputation for delivering an exceptional tasting experience. To expand its distribution nationwide without compromising on quality or sustainability, the cidery turned to Petainer’s one-way 20-liter Hybrid PET Kegs.

The Challenge: Balancing Tradition, Growth & Sustainability

Annapolis Cider Company needed a packaging solution that could support its ambition to expand across Canada while maintaining its commitment to quality and environmental responsibility. The traditional approach posed several challenges:

• High Capital and Operational Costs: Traditional steel kegs require significant investment, not only in the kegs themselves but also in the equipment and labour needed for cleaning and managing returns.
• Logistical Complexities: Returning and storing reusable steel kegs add operational hurdles and increase shipping expenses, especially over long distances.
• Sustainability Requirements: As consumer demand shifts toward eco-friendly products, Annapolis needed a packaging method that reduced carbon emissions and minimized environmental impact.
• Maintaining Brand Identity: The cidery’s reputation for premium, authentic cider must be preserved, so any new packaging had to maintain the quality and presentation that customers expect.

The Solution: Petainer’s One-Way 20-L Hybrid PET Kegs

To address these challenges, Annapolis Cider Company partnered with Petainer and adopted their one-way 20-liter Hybrid PET Kegs. This innovative solution offered a cost-effective, sustainable alternative that seamlessly integrated into the cidery’s existing operations. Key advantages of this solution include:

• Ready-to-Fill & Sterilized: Each Petainer keg arrives pre-sanitized, eliminating the need for water- and chemical-intensive cleaning processes.
• No Return Logistics: The one-way design means kegs are used once and then recycled, removing the complexity of tracking and retrieving empty kegs.
• Reduced Costs & Inventory Loss: Lightweight PET kegs reduce shipping expenses and storage requirements compared to heavy steel kegs or multiple glass bottles.
• Preservation of Quality: Advanced oxygen scavengers and UV barriers in the PET material protect the cider’s fresh, fruit-forward flavors, ensuring consistency from taproom to retail shelf.
• Seamless Integration: The design of the kegs matches standard dispensing systems, allowing for an easy transition without significant additional investments.

Results & Impact: Nationwide Expansion, Streamlined Operations & Brand Enhancement

Implementing Petainer’s one-way kegs has yielded significant benefits for Annapolis Cider Company. The new packaging solution has not only streamlined operations but also opened the door for expanded distribution across Canada. Key outcomes include:

• Expanded Market Reach: The efficient, one-way system has enabled the cidery to distribute premium cider nationwide without incurring the high costs associated with traditional steel kegs or complex return processes.
• Streamlined Operations: By eliminating the need for a keg return cycle and specialized cleaning equipment, the cidery has reduced operational overhead and freed up resources to focus on product innovation and enhancing the tasting room experience.
• Enhanced Brand Image: The sustainable, eco-friendly packaging aligns with consumer demand for environmentally responsible products and reinforces Annapolis Cider Company’s reputation as a premium, forward-thinking brand.
• Improved Cost Efficiency: Lower shipping and handling costs, along with reduced inventory management complexities, have contributed to better overall profitability and cash flow.

Petainer kegs are most useful to us because of their functionality. Just fill it once, send it away, and don’t think about it again. For our keg clientele, it becomes a simple solution.

Michael Gnemmi, Operations Manager at Annapolis Cider Company

Conclusion: A Sustainable Future for Nationwide Cider Distribution

By adopting Petainer’s one-way 20-liter Hybrid PET Kegs, Annapolis Cider Company has successfully navigated the challenges of scaling production while maintaining the quality and authenticity of its premium ciders. This innovative packaging solution has streamlined operations, reduced costs, and significantly minimized environmental impact, enabling the cidery to expand its market presence across Canada.

Annapolis Cider Company’s experience demonstrates that sustainable innovation can drive growth without compromising heritage or quality.