Cider is an ancient alcoholic beverage, originating from Europe, it is traditionally made from the fermented juice of apples. In celebration of World Cider Day (June 3), here are five interesting cider facts.
From the UK with love
Cider is very popular in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The UK has the world’s highest per capita consumption, as well as some of the largest cider-producing companies. Strongbow®, a cider that originates from the United Kingdom, is the world’s leading cider and is now available within 72 countries across the world.
Mzansi hearts Cider
Cider is a favoured drink in many of the original Commonwealth countries including India, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and, South Africa.
South Africa is currently the second largest market by volume for Strongbow® in the entire world after the UK. Clearly the apple-based beverage is loved by South Africans!
One apple-based cider, catering to many tastes
Common apples used in modern ciders include well-known varieties including many favourites like green Granny Smith, Gala, yellow Golden Delicious, and pink Fuji apples. A sweet or low alcohol cider may have a strong aromatic and flavour of apple, while drier or higher alcohol ciders may have a wider range of fruity aromas and flavours. Modern ciders vary in colour from pale to yellow and can range from brilliant to a hazy clarity.
The Strongbow® Apple Ciders range has a crisp and accessible taste, that is appealing to both men and women. The range offers a wide variety of modern flavours ranging from sweet to dry, however the HEINEKEN cider stable ensures the product is always based on apples as the key ingredient. Three variants are available locally, namely Original Dry, Gold Apple and Red Berries, but internationally there are a few more including Medium Dry, Elderflower, Dark Fruit, and Rosé Apple.
Like many industries, people are looking at fermenting their own artisanal or heritage ciders, these home or small batches often contain heirloom apple varieties, wild apples, and even crabapple.
Proudly made in Mzansi
HEINEKEN South Africa produces cider bottles sold in South Africa locally at HEINEKEN’s world-class brewery in Sedibeng, Midvaal along with many of their products including Amstel® and Heineken®. These locally produced ciders are also transported to Namibia and Botswana.
Globally respected and awarded
Globally, HEINEKEN owns a portfolio of ciders including the really intriguing Old Mout (the name rhymes with fruit) that was dreamed up in New Zealand’s Moutere Valley, over 65 years ago, as well as Cidrerie Stassen. The latter is a beautifully crafted cider that originates from Belgium’s Aubel Valley.
In South Africa however, HEINEKEN’s cider brand is its global flagship cider, launched in South Africa in September 2016. Since the brand’s launch, the brand has gone from strength to strength, with South African cider fans helping to make our local market second biggest for Strongbow® worldwide.
