Duluth's Wild State Cider expands distribution center, quadruples production

Duluth-based Wild State Cider is quadrupling its production after it acquired a new 60,000-square-foot distribution center in February.

The new facility is located in West Duluth, and will put Wild State among the 20 largest alcohol producers in the state, producing up to 500,000 gallons (more than 12 million cans) of cider annually.

Adam Ruhland, CEO of Wild State Cider, told Bring Me The News the company was starting to feel "in a pinch" due to high demand for its products and knew it was time to make a change.

"We found a place [to move to] in September 2022 and started construction to build that new center," Ruhland said. "Finally moved everything there in January and shut down our production for a bit until we were fully moved in, and now we're producing again and that's where we're at currently."

In just under four years of operation, the success of Wild State has led it to outgrow its 10,000-square-foot taproom space in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

"We’re proud to be a part of the growing cider industry both regionally and nationally, and look forward to continuing to bring the best of Minnesota-made ciders to our customers here and around the country. We’re really excited about our new facility and our upgraded ability to bring natural craft cider to more people than ever, for years to come," Ruhland said.

The taproom will remain in its Lincoln Park location, with the opening of the larger second facility allowing it to expand its product range for taproom visitors.

Ruhland said by volume, Wild State produces the second-most cider in the state, trailing only Rochester's Loon Juice, made by Four Daughters Vineyard, and distributes its cider to customers not only in Minnesota, but also Wisconsin, North Dakota, Virginia and southwestern Montana.

Ruhland said they are looking to expand to more states, and potentially exporting around the world.

"We haven't had the ability to add more territory due to being unable to produce that much cider. We're working on a couple of markets but don't want to say where yet until it's signed and official," he said. "We're hoping to add a couple more states this year."

"We have been looking into exporting, so that's something new we're continuing to consider and learn about."

Wild State is a member of 1% For the Plant, donating 1% of its sales to environmental nonprofits that are dedicated to protecting and improving outdoor access, according to its website. 

Ruhland said aside from the new facility, the company is changing its brand and packaging, and looking to add a kitchen space to its taproom.