Far From the Tree Cider House started in 2014 in Salem, Mass. Founder and owner Al Snape became inspired to make cider almost on accident: He was experimenting with an old apple press while studying winemaking in England. It’s an engaging story told on the house’s website.
It now sells dozens of varieties, and is an integral part of the craft food and drink scene in Salem. Al speaks passionately about his experimenting with ingredients and cider-making processes, combining elements in unexpected ways to produce ciders that turn shoppers into customers, and customers into fans.
The cider house has also been active in customer engagement. It was the first to open a taproom in its historic hometown, starting a trend that has since been copied by craft distilleries and breweries in the area.
And, Far From the Tree products feature eye-catching labels. “It’s all about the first impression,” says Al. “Even from my own experience, when I walk around a liquor store, I reach for the labels that jump out at me. It has to be recognizable. It has to strike a chord. You have just a millisecond to grab the buyer’s attention.”
That shelf impact is top-of-mind for craft owners. With eyecatching labels, branding and graphics, they can tell their story to consumers to help drive sales.
