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Case Study

Crispin Hard Cider

Joe Heron acquired a California cider brand after Flavorman crafted a line of "Good For You" sodas (Nutrisoda), later selling the brand to Pepsi Americas. The brand had no technical support so Flavorman was hired to strengthen the product’s flavor, quality, and manufacturing processes. The brand did not have quality control specifications, shelf-life data, or tight manufacturing specific actions or instructions.

Crispin Hard Ciders

Analytical Testing

Beverage Development

Bulk Spirits

Consulting

Flavors

Key Highlights

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In 2012, Crispin was acquired by MillerCoors.

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Crispin re-launched the brand in 2023, after a nearly four-year hiatus.

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Crispin Hard Cider is available in 41 states.

About

It's Time to Reformulate

Flavorman strengthened Crispin Cider's brand, ensuring technical integrity and securing 100% of their flavor requirements. Joe Heron then disrupted the craft beer scene with Crispin Hard Cider, achieving 200% growth in 2011. This success led to the acquisition of Joe's company by MillerCoors in 2012.

Founded on a commitment to uncompromising quality, Crispin Cider advances the cider industry. Utilizing a premium blend of unpasteurized juice from fresh-pressed apples, their ciders (naturally gluten-free!) undergo classic cold fermentation. The result is a crisp, refined cider with authentic flavors and unique aromatic notes, embodying the essence of fresh-pressed cider.

After a brief hiatus, the iconic American brand Crispin Cider has made a triumphant return to shelves in 2023. This resurgence is made possible by a licensing agreement between Minneapolis Cider Company and Molson Coors, showcasing the enduring legacy of Crispin in the beverage industry.

Joe Heron

"We have now started three businesses with Flavorman. All three have successfully been sold to major corporations."

Joe Heron

Former Founder & CEO, Crispin Cider Co.

Here are a few of the principles Joe stands on, in his own words, and advice that you might find helpful in developing your own beverage brand:

  1. Stand up — stand for something… and stand out.
  2. Entrepreneurs are like dogs who bark at the stick in the water. Very few get wet. Just do it, but remember you can only swim for one stick at a time.
  3. An idea is not a business. Execution and luck are more important than strategy and analysis. Treading water is the same as drowning; it just takes longer.
  4. Five-year plans change every five minutes.
  5. Don’t take a knife to a gunfight. Look for the gap. For new businesses to succeed today you have to be imaginative and creative.
  6. Survive before you thrive.
  7. Three cheats: read voraciously, use good manners, and always follow through.

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