Mac Ivors Irish cider declared Cider Champion at International drinks awards

Armagh-based Mac Ivors cider is set to be the drink of the summer as it collects a gold medal and the acclaimed Champion Cider award at the industry's 'Oscars'- at a gala ceremony in the Guildhall, London.

The family-owned and run company became the first Irish cider producer to win a gold medal in this prestigious event for its Traditional Dry Cider (5.6% ABV).

Established in 1888, The International Brewing and Cider Awards are internationally regarded as amongst the most important and influential industry events.

Greg Mac Neice, Director and Cider Maker at Mac Ivors, based at Ardress, Portadown, commenting on the award, says:

"Winning a gold, then Cider Champion in this global competition is such an honour. This is the standard we aim for at Mac Ivors .The judging panel of international cider experts have recognised that Mac Ivors cider is an exceptional product of premium quality and outstanding flavour".

"We work hard to make our cider taste this good. Most of all, we want people to enjoy drinking Mac Ivors cider. We want people to love it as much as we do!"

"This endorsement will be immensely important to Mac Ivors Cider as we seek to expand our business in Europe and the US. It also signals that Northern Ireland is fast becoming a significant producer of the finest quality cider and we are proud to be part of that."

Chair of judges Bill Taylor said, "Close to 1,000 beers and ciders were judged at Burton-upon-Trent earlier this year, so to be chosen as one of just 10 Championship winners is a tremendous accolade and the brewers and cider maker who are lifting trophies today should be very proud of their achievement."

Mac Ivors Cider was launched in 2012 by longstanding Northern Irish apple processor, MacNeice Fruit. The range includes two bottled ciders - Mac Ivors Medium (4.5%) and Mac Ivors Traditional Dry (5.6%). Both are produced in 500ml bottles. The Medium Cider is also produced in draught format.

The Traditional Dry Cider is a rich cider with real depth made from traditional apple varieties and has a full body and long dry finish.

The Medium cider is made from predominantly sweet red apples and is fresh and fruity with a clean, crisp finish.

The ciders are made from 100 per cent cold-pressed apple juice. Up to 12 different varieties of apples are used and slowly fermented for a natural fruit flavour.

Mac Ivors sells its ciders in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Finland and Germany.