Heineken reels in Strongbow for US expansion

15 August, 2012

Heineken has announced it will take the US distribution of its global-leading cider brand, Strongbow, in-house from next year.

The decision to switch from Vermont Hard Cider to Heineken USA, effective January 1 2013, was taken to accelerate the brand’s growth and take advantage of a rapidly enlarging cider market.

According to Heineken, US cider volumes grew 10% in 2010 and 20% in 2011.

Heineken said Strongbow is currently the second largest cider brand in the US and the largest globally, occupying some 25% of total volume sales.

The company said it will position Strongbow as the “leading upscale cider brand” and offer male and female consumers “an alternative alcoholic beverage option”.

Dolf van den Brink, president and CEO of Heineken USA, said: “There is tremendous opportunity to build on the momentum that the Vermont Hard Cider team created over the last nine years.

“We see this as a pivotal moment to further accelerate Strongbow’s growth by supporting the brand with the full weight of Heineken USA’s resources and capabilities.

“By growing our core and investing in innovation, we will continue to enhance our position as the industry’s leading upscale importer.”





Digital Edition

Drinks International digital edition is available ahead of the printed magazine. Don’t miss out, make sure you subscribe today to access the digital edition and all archived editions of Drinks International as part of your subscription.

Comment

La'Mel Clarke

Service isn’t servitude: the skill of hosting

La’Mel Clarke, front of house at London’s Seed Library, looks at the forgotten art of hosting and why it deserves the same respect as bartending.

Instagram

Facebook