Portadown-based Mac Ivors has introduced an alcohol-free cider that’s also gluten-free, low in calories and vegan-friendly.

At only 76 calories per bottle, this has been created by experienced cider maker Greg MacNeice who’s also the company’s Managing Director.

It offers a range of benefits for those concerned about health “while still maintaining an authentic and delicious cider taste”.

The introduction of the new medium dry cider coincides with a new RoI distribution agreement between Mac Ivors – which has collected a host of cider industry awards as well as UK Great Taste Awards – and Dundalk-based Noreast, a major RoI supplier of premium drinks to hotels and bars, while Drinks Inc supplies this cider range in NI.

“We’re are also currently exploring opportunities in Canada, Britain and other parts of Europe for the new cider,” explains Greg MacNeice, with the new cider producing extremely positive feedback in taste tests, he reports.

“Our aim has been to produce a genuine cider rather than a drink that tastes like apple juice and we’ve succeeded. The new product is a response to the growing market for a ‘healthier’ product especially among those concerned about weight and overall fitness. It’s also a delicious and safer option for drivers especially the designated driver on a night out,” he adds.

In addition the new cider lists all the ingredients and nutritional facts on the label, reflecting the company’s strategic focus on transparency and integrity.

Greg MacNeice says the company, based on the family’s apple orchards in Co Armagh, has signed the distribution deal with Noreast as part of a strategy to drive growth in sales of its entire range in the Republic, its most important market beyond Northern Ireland.

“We decided in late 2019 that the time was right to step-up our approach in the Republic,” he said, “We’ve known the team at Noreast for a number of years and their experienced sales team will work closely with our dynamic Brand Ambassador Sarah Mc Nally to bring Mac Ivors Cider to a range of on- and off-trade outlets.

“Noreast is an ideal fit for us because of its very strong reputation in the Republic, its network of premium customers and its portfolio of leading beer and spirits brands,” he continued, “We are Noreast’s only Irish cider brand and they will be able to focus on developing sales across our range of quality products,” he explained.

Mac Ivors is also selling its ciders to Germany, France, Russia and Scandinavia as well as the UK.

Made from 100% fresh pressed apples it has been developed to provide a richly flavoured, refreshing and aromatic craft beverage.

The ciders are cold-pressed and slow-fermented over eight months to ensure the outstanding flavour that customers are coming to appreciate. They don’t contain any concentrates, artificial flavourings or colourings and up to 14 different varieties of apples, including Armagh Bramleys, are used in the process.

The alcohol-free cider will be available in 330ml bottles in the off-trade.