Blake Farms

What Blake Farms does

Blake Farms is a third-generation, family-owned agricultural and hospitality business headquartered on an 800-acre working farm in Armada, Michigan. Founded in 1946 by Gerald and Lovey Blake, the company operates four Metro Detroit locations — Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill, Blake's Big Apple, Blake's Backyard (Almont), and Blake's Lyon Township — that together function as a vertically integrated agritourism destination. Core operations include orchard and crop production across 40+ apple varieties, sweet cider milling, hard cider production (Blake's Hard Cider, founded 2013 by third-generation Andrew Blake, distributed in 18 states), U-Pick produce, restaurants and tasting rooms, the Funland family entertainment attraction, seasonal festivals (Lavender, Pickle, Sunflower), educational programs (Appleseed Camp, Little Sprouts), private events and banquets, a tree nursery and greenhouse, and a Tree Nursery greenhouse operation. Headcount is 251-500 core employees with 500+ seasonal hires at peak; the company is celebrating 80 years of operation in 2026.

The business runs a hybrid transaction-and-subscription revenue model. Transactional revenue comes from on-site admissions and retail, food and beverage at the Tasting Room and Backyard Taproom, U-Pick pay-per-pound produce, festival tickets ($5-$14), Funland attraction fees, school field trips ($12-$16/student), Appleseed Camp ($280-$380/session), birthday party packages, haunted attractions, gift boxes ($19.95-$74.95), and corporate gifting bulk orders. Recurring revenue comes from annual memberships across four tiers — Funland Season Pass $49.95, Individual $84.95, Couple $134.95, Family $269.95 — and a bi-weekly Farm Share CSA subscription running June-September. Distribution spans direct retail at the four farm locations, e-commerce through the Blake Farms online storefront, and specialty grocery wholesale for jarred goods at Nino Salvaggio's, Vince & Joes, Randazzo, and Cantoro Market.

Customers are predominantly Michigan-based families with children, plus festival attendees, repeat members, Farm Share subscribers, school districts, and Michigan businesses for corporate gifting. Marketing relies on social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), email/newsletter campaigns, festival-based event marketing, content on the website, and community fundraising partnerships. Operational technology is provided by standard third-party platforms — Toast Tab for reservations, TicketSpice and RunSignUp for events, TripleSeat for private event inquiries, Paylocity for employment, Mailchimp for email, and JotForm for artisan/vendor applications. Blake's Hard Cider integrated with Untappd for tap room listings.

Name

Blake Farms

Legal name

Blake Farms

Website

https://blakefarms.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Blake Farms is a third-generation, family-owned 800-acre agritourism and hospitality company operating four Metro Detroit, Michigan locations with U-Pick produce, restaurants, hard cider, festivals, and family entertainment serving Michigan families, schools, and corporate clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agritourism & Farm Hospitality

NAICS

Fruit and Tree Nut Combination Farming (111336), Other Crop Farming (1119), Nursery, Garden Center, and Farm Supply Retailers (444240)

SIC

Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180), Agricultural Production-Crops (100), Canned, Frozen & Preservd Fruit, Veg & Food Specialties (2030)

akta.pro primary industry

Cider & Perry Production (AFAFAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cider & Perry Producers & Brands (CRADAIAE), Cideries & Meadery Tasting Rooms (THAFALAI), Organic Produce & Farm Market Retail (CRAHAEAD), Farmstead & Local Artisan Food Markets (Retail Shops) (CRAHAGAO)

Keywords

• Agritourism destination
• Hard cider production
• U-pick orchard operations
• Seasonal farm festivals
• Farm-to-table dining

Headquarters

HQ city

Armada

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. On-site Retail & Admission: Revenue from retail sales at four locations including produce, jarred goods, donuts, baked goods, and Funland admission fees. Free parking but paid attractions for Funland.
2. Food & Beverage: Restaurant and tasting room sales at multiple locations including Tasting Room (Armada), Backyard Tap Room (Almont), and on-site food service. Features craft hard cider, beer, wine, and made-to-order meals.
3. Membership Program: Annual membership subscriptions (Individual $84.95, Couple $134.95, Family $269.95) providing perks including free donut and cider, unlimited Funland admission, 10% off purchases, 20% off festival tickets.
4. Farm Share (CSA): Bi-weekly farm share subscription program (June-September) offering curated produce crates with local artisan goods and festival tickets. Pickup at three locations.
5. Corporate Gifting: Bulk corporate gift box sales targeting Michigan businesses for holiday appreciation and events. Pre-ordered gift boxes with pies and curated items.
6. U-Pick Produce: Pay-per-pound pricing for U-Pick fruits and vegetables. $20 minimum purchase required. Seasonal crops including strawberries, raspberries, cherries, apples, and flowers.
7. Event Tickets & Private Events: Festival admission tickets ($10-$14), haunted attractions, school tours, birthday parties, and private event venue rentals for weddings and corporate events.
8. Summer Camp Programs: Appleseed Camp (3-4 day outdoor summer camp for kids) at $280-$380 per session, plus Little Sprouts educational program for preschool-aged children.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Blake Farms operates four multi-experience farm and hospitality destinations across Metro Detroit that combine U-pick produce operations, an on-site hard cider production facility, restaurants and cideries, family entertainment attractions (Funland), seasonal festivals, private event venues, and educational programming under a single family-owned umbrella. Standalone paid offerings consumers and businesses can purchase include hard cider (distributed in 18 states), jarred goods and provisions, Festival admission tickets, U-Pick produce, annual memberships, a Farm Share CSA subscription, summer camps, birthday parties, and banquet/wedding packages.

Product overview

Blake Farms is a multi-location family farm and hospitality destination company operating throughout Metro Detroit, Michigan. The company operates four main locations (Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill, Blake's Backyard, Blake's Big Apple, and Blake's Lyon Township) offering a diverse portfolio of integrated experiences. The core offering centers on a working farm with U-pick produce operations and a cider mill producing sweet cider and donuts. This foundation supports multiple revenue streams: (1) Food & Beverage venues including Blake's Tasting Room (restaurant and cidery) and Backyard Taproom, (2) Entertainment attractions including Funland family amusement areas and seasonal haunted attractions at Big Apple, (3) Agritourism experiences including seasonal festivals (Lavender, Pickle, Sunflower), U-pick operations, and seasonal events, (4) Retail products including jarred goods, provisions, gift sets, and merchandise sold online and in-store, (5) Educational programs including Appleseed Camp (summer camp) and Little Sprouts (preschool program), (6) Membership and subscription programs including annual memberships and Farm Share (CSA produce subscription), (7) Private events and banquet services, and (8) a Tree Nursery & Greenhouse. Blake's Hard Cider, founded in 2013 and distributed in 18 states, extends the brand into packaged goods retail. The company celebrated 80 years of operation in 2026.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Blake's Hard Cider Hard cider produced from a proprietary blend of 5 apple varieties grown on Blake Farms using proprietary wine yeast. Made from pure cider rather than concentrate, all-natural, not over-sweetened, and packaged for distribution across 18 U.S. states.
• Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill Historic 120-acre working farm destination in Armada, MI featuring an open-air apple press, seasonal U-pick fruits and vegetables, family-friendly Funland, the Blake's Tasting Room & Restaurant, the Cider Mill Farm Market, Bakery, and Grill. Open daily 8am–6pm.
• Blake's Tasting Room Year-round restaurant and cidery at the Orchard & Cider Mill location featuring craft hard cider, beer, wine, made-to-order meals, weekly specials, and a Sunday brunch buffet with omelette station. Reservations available via Toast Tab.
• Funland Family-friendly entertainment area featuring 35+ attractions including animal petting farm, jumping pillows, corn maze, John Deere Speedway, wagon and train rides, inflatables, sports zone, and play structures. Located across multiple Blake's locations; admission included with events or via Season Pass.
• U-Pick Self-harvest produce experience available at all four Blake's locations. Pay-per-pound pricing with a $20 minimum purchase; offerings rotate seasonally across strawberries, raspberries, cherries, lavender, sunflowers, and additional fruits and vegetables.
• Membership Program Annual membership program with Individual ($84.95), Couple ($134.95), Family ($269.95), and Funland Season Pass ($49.95) tiers. Members receive a free donut and cider on every visit, unlimited Funland admission, 10% off purchases, 20% off festival tickets, $4 daily hard cider pours, 30% off growler refills, and waived U-pick minimums.
• Farm Share (CSA) Bi-weekly community-supported agriculture subscription offering a curated produce crate of farm-fresh seasonal produce, bakery items, and beverages, plus monthly festival tickets and optional wine upgrade. Pickup at three locations during June–September.
• Appleseed Camp Multi-day summer camp for children priced $280 (3-day) to $380 (4-day) per session. Activities include orchard exploration, farm animal interactions, donut making, train rides, and other hands-on agricultural learning experiences led by certified teachers. Sibling discounts and extended care add-ons available.
• Lavender Festival Annual ticketed festival held over two weekends in July at the Orchard & Cider Mill. Admission priced $12 (Fridays) to $14 (Saturdays & Sundays) and includes Funland access, artisan market entry with 200+ vendors, photo opportunities, and free wellness experiences.
• Sunflower Festival Seasonal ticketed festival offering sunflower field strolls, 100+ artisan vendors, photo opportunities, classes and demonstrations, U-pick sunflowers and wildflowers, and Funland access. Early-bird tickets $10, Friday $12, Saturday & Sunday $14.
• Pickle Festival Ticketed summer festival featuring pickle-themed U-pick, DIY pickle-making workshops, themed food and drinks, contests, vendors, live music, and Funland access. Early-bird admission $5 (ends July 10), regular $12.
• Banquets & Private Events Private event and wedding venue hosting corporate events, birthdays, showers, and weddings across four event spaces with capacities ranging from 120 to 250 guests. Inquiries managed through TripleSeat.
• Corporate Gifting B2B gift program offering handcrafted pies and curated gift boxes targeted at Michigan businesses for client appreciation and employee gifting. Bulk-order pricing available through the dedicated corporate catalog.
• Jarred Goods & Provisions House-made shelf-stable product line including apple butter, applesauce, jams, pickled beets, salsa, mustard, and specialty gift sets. Sold at all four locations, online, and through specialty grocers in Metro Detroit.
• Little Sprouts Educational Program Hands-on farm educational program for preschool-aged children (ages 3–5) and their parents. Features guided activities on animals, plants, pollinators, and harvest, plus Funland time and classic cider and donuts.
• Tree Nursery & Greenhouse Retail nursery and greenhouse at the Almont Blake's Backyard location selling fruit trees, evergreens, arborvitae, annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, and tropicals. Newsletter signup is available via Mailchimp integration.
• 5K Fun Runs Themed ticketed 5K walk/run events (Berry Fast 5K, Donut Dash, Monster Dash, Holiday Hustle) hosted at various Blake's locations. Registration handled via RunSignUp.
• School Field Trips Educational group field trip program for K–12 students at $12–$16 per student (minimum 20 students) including Funland admission, train ride, cider and donuts, agricultural workshop, and a tote bag. Lunch add-on available.
• Birthday Party Packages Hosted birthday party packages at $15.95/person (Package A) or $19.95/person including lunch (Package B), with private pavilion or tent, train ride, cider and donuts. Minimum 20 guests.

Quantifiable outcome

• 25,000+ annual visitors at Lavender Festival alone
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration11 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Blake's Hard CidercoreOthersRelated family company producing hard cider from Blake Farms apples. Founded by Andrew Blake in 2013, Blake's Hard Cider is distributed in 18 states and operates production facility on the farm property. Same family ownership and brand synergy.
• Bakehouse46minorOthersConnected bakery operation. Listed as a partner location on Blake Farms website.
• Specialty Grocery RetailersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBlake's jarred goods distributed through Metro Detroit specialty grocers including Nino Salvaggio's, Vince & Joes, Randazzo, and Cantoro Market.
• Holland Heating and CoolingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLavender Festival sponsor based in Davison, MI. Listed as a sponsor of Blake's Lavender Festival 2025.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Woodchuck Hard Cider: Woodchuck is one of the longest-running U.S. craft hard cider brands, now owned by Vermont Cider Company. It is a direct competitor to Blake's Hard Cider on retail shelves across the same 18 states Blake's distributes in.
• 2 Towns Ciderhouse: 2 Towns is an Oregon-based craft cidery with a taproom, distribution across multiple U.S. states, and a focus on cider-only production. It is a comparable craft cider brand with on-site hospitality and regional wholesale similar to Blake's Hard Cider.
• St. Julian Winery: St. Julian is Michigan's oldest and largest winery, producing wine, cider, and spirits from Michigan-grown fruit with tasting rooms and a statewide distribution footprint. It competes with Blake Farms across Michigan-grown alcoholic beverages, on-site tasting, and retail distribution.
• Vander Mill Cider: Vander Mill is a Michigan-based craft hard cidery with its own taproom and restaurant in Grand Rapids. It is one of the closest direct peers to Blake's Hard Cider and Blake's Tasting Room, combining on-site hospitality with regional cider distribution.
• Schilling Cider: Schilling is a Pacific Northwest craft cidery with a cidery/pub operation and multi-state distribution. It competes with Blake's Hard Cider in craft on-premise and off-premise channels and shares the taproom-plus-distribution model.
• Spicer Orchards: Spicer Orchards is a Michigan family-run orchard offering U-Pick fruits, bakery, cider, and seasonal fall entertainment. It is a direct competitor to Blake Farms' U-Pick and fall festival experiences in the Southeast Michigan market.
• Wiard's Orchards & Cider Mill: Wiard's is a Ypsilanti-area Michigan farm destination offering U-Pick, cider mill, bakery, haunted attractions, and family amusement park experiences. Its combination of farm, food, and entertainment directly mirrors the Blake Farms multi-attraction model.
• Westview Orchards & Winery: Westview Orchards is a Michigan family-owned U-Pick orchard with farm market, bakery, cider, and family entertainment attractions. It is a direct peer to Blake Farms' Armada, Big Apple, and Lyon Township locations in the Michigan agritourism market.

Regional players

• Frankenmuth (Michigan tourism destination): Frankenmuth is Michigan's signature Bavarian-themed tourism town with year-round festivals, dining, retail, and event venues. It competes with Blake Farms for Metro Detroit visitor day-trip and overnight tourism dollars, although it does not overlap on the orchard/cidery business.

Broad incumbents

• Angry Orchard (Boston Beer Company): Angry Orchard is the largest U.S. hard cider brand, owned by Boston Beer Company and distributed nationally. It directly competes with Blake's Hard Cider in the cider category, but at vastly greater scale and as part of a broader beer/brewing portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@blakeshardcider
• Facebookfacebook.com/blakefarmsarmada
• Instagraminstagram.com/blakefarms
• Xx.com/blakefarms

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Blake Farms