Quintessential invests in top Northern Irish Cider

London-based Quintessential Brands is to acquire a shareholding in one of Northern Ireland's most successful cider and juice processors.

The British drinks group is to acquire a 33 per cent holding in Tempted? Irish Cider, a producer of a range of artisan Irish ciders which recently expanded its operations near Loughgall in county Armagh, Northern Ireland's orchard country.

Tempted? Is the brand of a range of ciders produced by Davy and Janet Uprichard in a unit at their home in Lisburn, county Antrim. The company has recently moved its processing operations to the orchard in Loughgall of one of its key suppliers. They started the craft business in 2009.

Tempted? Ciders have won Great Taste Awards, Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards and Blas na hEireann, Irish National Food and Drink Awards.

The Tempted? Range comprises sweet, medium and dry ciders, as well as strawberry and the recently launched elderflower.

Davy Uprichard says: "We are delighted to have gained endorsement from one of Britain's leading drinks businesses. It will mean our products will be rolled out throughout Britain and further afield in the months ahead. It's an important stage in the development of our business."

The Tempted? deal follows the earlier investment by Quintessential in another Northern Ireland craft business, Clanconnel Brewery in county Armagh, producer of McGrath's range of beers and ales that was founded by Mark Pearson.

Quintessential's chief executive Warren Scott says: "The stake in Tempted? complements our portfolio of premium niche brands.

Quintessential has also acquired the Dublin Whiskey Company and plans to invest in a new distillery in Dublin city centre. It also owns Thomas Dakin Gin and Feeney Irish Cream Liqueur.