Molson Coors has acquired the British cider maker Aspall for an undisclosed amount.
Suffolk-based Aspall, which dates back as far as 1728, is one of the leading players in the UK’s premium cider market.
Although terms of the deal were not made public, it is thought the acquisition could be worth as much as £40 million.
The US beer giant said it aimed to make the brand the number one premium cider in the UK, as well as growing its range of cider vinegars.
Aspall believes that Molson Coors will accelerate its growth in the UK and provide new opportunities internationally.
The deal reportedly brings to a close a year’s worth of negotiations and marks an end to eight generations of family ownership for the company.
Aspall’s Henry Chevallier Guild said: “There is a real opportunity to elevate and grow the status of English cider in the UK and abroad both as a beverage and as an excellent partner for food. We believe that Molson Coors’ investment will provide the catalyst to grow Aspall and build the recognition for quality cider worldwide.”
In recent years, Europe has seen renewed vigour in its cider market with premium offerings including Kopparberg and Rekorderlig from Sweden, plus Heineken’s range of high-end Cidrerie Stassen ciders.
But the UK remains the largest market for cider on the continent, accounting for roughly 45% of all sales.
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