Top apple processor launches new artisan ciders

Longstanding apple processor, MacNeice Fruit, based in Northern Ireland, has moved in to the cider business with the launch of two premium products.

MacNeice Fruit, a specialist in Armagh Bramley apples, now with PGI European name protection, has created a new brand, Mac Ivors and two bottled ciders, Mac Ivors Medium, a 4.5% ABV drink, and Mac Ivors Traditional Dry, a 5.6% ABV variety, to appeal to drinkers of traditional ciders or craft beers.

Both ciders are made from 100 per cent cold pressed apple juice and do not contain any concentrates, artificial flavourings or colours. Up to 12 different varieties of apples are used and slowly fermented for a natural fruit flavour.

The company is aiming to grow sales of the new ciders throughout Ireland and Great Britain. It has partnered with Drinks Inc, a Belfast-based distributor which operates throughout Ireland. The company is now one of the largest and fastest growing independent drinks distributors in Ireland.

Greg MacNeice, managing director of the family-owned business, says: "For the last four years, I have been driven by one goal - to produce a premium artisan cider that truly captures the flavour and aroma of the juicy apples that we grow in Armagh."

The family owned and managed business has been in business since 1969 and has its own orchards. The family has also been growing apples since 1855.

The company has a longstanding reputation as a producer of a broad range of apple products under the Ardress brand. These include canned sliced and diced Bramley apple, apple sauce, canned rhubarb, ready-to-use pie fillings and sweet mince.

The company's processing facility has achieved certification to the BRC Global Food Standard. Existing apple products are supplied to wholesalers, food service providers, bakeries and food manufacturers throughout the UK and Ireland.

Mac Ivors Ciders, launched at the start of November, are produced in 500ml bottles. The brand is named after Greg MacNeice's grandmother, whose family originally owned the orchards at Ardress where the apples for the cider are grown.