WHY CRAFT BEER BOOM HAS SUNK THE CIDER REVIVAL

THE owner of Bulmers and Magners has warned it expects its full-year profits to be hit amid weakening demand for cider .

Drinks group C&C – which also owns Blackthorn, Addlestones and Ye Olde English brands – said its cider sales were subdued in Ireland and flat across Britain as shipping volumes fell slightly behind target.

While cider sales have soared in recent years, makers are now faced with a rise in popularity of craft beer. It added that while its US business was stable, its cider division remained in ‘negative territory’ and was holding back recovery.

Despite the negative outlook the firm, which recently launched a new Dowd’s Lane range of craft ciders and beers in Ireland, said its premium craft ranges had fared better

Heverlee and 5 Lamps were among the standout performers, the company said.

Craft beer sales in the UK have been growing by 40pc a year, as drinkers turn away from the big brewers.

C&C was founded in 1935 by brewer William Magner It owns Magners and Bulmers cider and Tennent’s beer as well as Hornsby’s, Blackthorn, Addlestones and Ye Olde English brands Craft beer sales have been growing by 40pc a year in the UK – hitting sales...