Thatchers Cider is extending its range of fruit ciders with a new Apple and Blackcurrant variant.
The new cider will be available for the On-Trade in 500ml glass bottle and as an infused fruit flavour for the Thatchers Fusion Font. Thatchers Apple & Blackcurrant is also being introduced to the Off-Trade in both can and glass bottle format.
Thatchers is no stranger to the Apple and Blackcurrant flavour profile, having served a Dark Berry cider in the On-Trade as part of its trio of draught Fusion Flavours for the past two years, and with a loyal customer base in the channel serving as a strong consumer pull. Apple and Blackcurrant will replace Dark Berry within the Fusion Font.
The 4%abv Apple and Blackcurrant will also sit in Thatchers cider bottle range alongside Blood Orange, Katy, Zero and Rosé. With a proven track record in market leading innovation, each of these brands has helped reinvigorate the cider category, with Thatchers Blood Orange in particular becoming the biggest BWS launch of 2022.
Thatchers Apple and Blackcurrant is a rich, refreshingly fruity cider, created with the sweetest dessert apples, a fresh berry aroma and bold natural blackcurrant flavour. Jonathan Nixon, Thatchers Commercial Director says: “We know the category needs reviving and that there is huge potential ahead for a fresh approach due to the continuing popularity of the flavour, particularly in Scotland and the North of England where fruit cider is so popular.”
He continues: “Our new Apple and Blackcurrant flavour is different to any other dark fruit or berry ciders and provides a clear opportunity for operators to benefit from the strong rate of sale that ciders from Thatchers generate, thanks to our total dedication to quality and great taste.”
Jonathan concludes: “Consumers like to be excited and enthused by new flavours and we know, based on our feedback from the trade, that consumers love this type of flavour on draught. Launching in 500ml bottle which is the most popular On-Trade packaged format for cider, allows more customers to sell from the fridge without the commitment of a draught install.”
Thatchers Apple and Blackcurrant will be launched in limited distribution from November with extended distribution into Spring 2024. It is set to be a must-stock drinks brand of the year.
As the UK’s fastest growing cider maker, Thatchers Cider has a proven track record in fruit cider launches, where it now holds the #3 position in the market.
With the provenance and heritage of Thatchers behind it, Apple and Blackcurrant cider will be aimed at the 25-40 year old age group. It is made with dessert apples including Fuji and Gala, with natural blackcurrant flavour to give a rich and fruity character.
For more information go to www.thatcherscider.co.uk
