The apple of my eye

Ireland’s cider category remains a dynamic segment of the drinks market, balancing heritage with innovation. Long dominated by big brands, the sector has diversified in recent years with the growth of craft producers and premium offerings. Drinks Industry Ireland gives an overview of the cider category

Stealing a lead

Orchard Thieves remains Ireland’s biggest draught cider*, with a strong connection to younger adult drinkers. Today, nearly one in two young adults list Orchard Thieves as their cider of choice*, underlining the brand’s continued relevance within a category increasingly shaped by changing tastes, occasions and expectations.
Introduced in April 2024, Orchard Thieves Wild marked an important moment for the brand, not as a departure, but as an expansion of what Orchard Thieves stands for. As cider drinkers increasingly look for options that feel less sweet and more refreshing, Orchard Thieves Wild was designed to sit alongside Orchard Thieves Original, offering choice within a familiar and trusted brand rather than asking consumers to trade out entirely.
Within the less sweet cider segment, Orchard Thieves Wild brings a notably lower sugar and lower calorie profile, with 2.2g of sugar per 100ml, a 4.0% ABV and no artificial sweeteners.
Positioned as a medium dry apple cider, Orchard Thieves Wild delivers a crisp apple flavour with reduced sweetness and a clean, refreshing finish. In simple terms, medium dry sits between sweet and dry, flavour forward without heaviness, and easy to enjoy across longer social occasions.
Since launch, Orchard Thieves Wild has helped broaden perceptions of the Orchard Thieves family, appealing to drinkers who may previously have overlooked cider altogether.
Its role is not to replace the original, but to complement it, reflecting the reality that today’s cider drinkers expect choice rather than a one note proposition.
Orchard Thieves Wild is available nationwide across pubs and bars, and is also widely stocked in supermarkets and off-licences, supporting consistent visibility across both on and off trade.
With Orchard Thieves Original and Wild working together, the brand signals a clear ambition: to keep cider accessible, refreshing and relevant for the next generation of drinkers.
*Source: CGA OPM date to December 2026
*Source: Kantar Brand Guidance System, Q2 2025

Offering choice in cider

At Armagh Cider Company, it has seen exceptional momentum across its no and low alcohol portfolio, with Cider Zero emerging as one of its fastest-growing segments. Sales have accelerated significantly over the past year, reflecting a broader consumer shift towards moderation without compromising on quality or flavour. This growth has been further strengthened by successful listings with Tesco NI and Sainsbury’s NI, alongside expansion into key foodservice distributors, enabling us to reach consumers across both retail and hospitality channels.
The no and low alcohol category continues to resonate strongly across all demographics, from younger consumers seeking mindful drinking
options to more established cider drinkers looking for balance. This trend is no longer niche, it is a core driver of innovation and growth within the category, and the company is proud to be at the forefront of that movement.
In addition to its branded range, it also produces private label cider for Aldi Ireland, spanning dry, medium, and sweet variants. These products have consistently achieved recognition at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards, underlining a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The ciders all carry the PGI mark for the Armagh Bramley apple, reinforcing our provenance and heritage.

Meanwhile, Doyle’s flavoured cider range (3.4% ABV) continues to deliver strong year-on-year growth, demonstrating sustained consumer demand for accessible, flavourforward cider styles across the island of Ireland.

Quality starts at the source

Rooted in the orchards of County Armagh, Long Meadow Cider is a third-generation family farm where heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation come together in every bottle. What began almost 60 years ago with a simple passion for growing apples has evolved into a thriving, award-winning drinks business, yet the ethos remains unchanged: quality starts at the source. They also offer an Alcohol-Free Cider, ensuring there is something for every occasion and every consumer. With ABVs ranging from 0.05% to 5.5%, the range balances accessibility with premium quality. 

Quality over quantity

Ireland’s cider growth is being shaped by a return to heritage, integrity, and authenticity, values long rooted in our orchards. At the heart of this movement is Stonewell Cider, a Cork based craft cider manufacturer experiencing double digit growth year-on-year, reflecting a broader shift in consumer preference. Today’s Irish drinker is increasingly drawn to mindful indulgence, the practice of savouring high-quality products  in moderation. This cultural shift has accelerated demand for craft cider, where quality is prioritised over quantity. Stonewell exemplifies this evolution. Brand ambassador Eamon notes that the company’s commitment to supporting local Irish apple farmers, alongside producing cider using only 100% fresh juice, with no additives or concentrates, resonates strongly with a more discerning audience. This dedication to traditional methods ensures a fuller, more authentic flavour profile that reflects both place and provenance