FRUIT

Flavoured cider has cemented itself as a mainstay of every bar with 41% of cider drinkers now choosing it. More women drink flavoured variants, especially the premium lines where they make up 62% of consumers.

Although berry flavours still perform the best, there continues to be exciting innovation with more exotic flavours gaining traction such as pineapple and watermelon.

Stephen at Heineken explains that if flavoured ciders are a big seller for you and you have the space for a second cider tap (beside mainstream apple), it’s generally recommended to pick a mainstream flavoured brand before a premium equivalent, and keep your higher price lines to the bottles.

No And Low

Alcohol-free is the fastest-growing cider segment. With more and more customers looking for no or low alcohol drinks, a cider option is a must for your bar.

CGA’s Leading the Way in No/Low Spirits 2022 report said 82% of venues were looking to increase no and low options in the next 12 months. A good place to start is Old Mout Berries & Cherries Alcohol-Free which is the number one best-seller in the cider category.

Inch’s medium apple cider

Apple Draught

A brilliant draught choice for an alternative to the big brands such as Strongbow. Lightly sparkling, Inch’s gives a refreshingly dry and sweet flavour. It’s made with 100% British apples which are grown within 40 miles of the mill and any apple waste is turned into green energy.

Pair with a grilled halloumi salad – use grains such as couscous or quinoa as a base and add in leaves, roasted peppers and courgettes and even some grilled peach if you’re feeling exotic.

Old

Berries

Along with your no and low beers and spirits, ensure you’ve got cider covered too. This fruity version is spritzy and sweet, with strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and apple flavours. Serve with ice and make it special with a fresh berry garnish.

Pair with fish such as sea bass and a beetroot salad for a light summery main. Buy ready-cooked beets to speed up prep and combine with spring onions, fresh herbs, lemon juice and olive oil.

Strongbow Dark Fruit

Fruit Draught

The top seller for fruit cider on tap, this is a must if you have the capacity for two draught ciders. Taking inspiration from the drink Cider and Black, it’s dry with a subtle tartness. Blackcurrant and apple notes give that fruity feel.

Pair with a filling and equally fruity apple and blackberry crumble. For a good value topping, make custard with powder. Or rustle up a vanillaspecked custard for those customers looking for a little extra.

Old Mout Pineapple & Raspberry

Fruit

Bottled

Exotic fruit ciders are on the up and especially this pineapple flavoured one from Old Mout – it delivers the highest value rate of sale of all ciders in the fridge. Its pink colour makes it look attractive and the sweet yet tart taste is delicious.

Pair with strawberries and cream. The classic summer treat complements the fruity cider. Take the dish further by making an Eton Mess with mixed berries, meringues, whipped cream and toasted nuts sprinkled over the top.