Business

MacIvor's cider claims golden ticket at UK awards

Greg MacNeice of MacIvor's Cider in Portadown receives his award from Bill Taylor, chair of the judging panel in the International Brewing and Cider Awards
Greg MacNeice of MacIvor's Cider in Portadown receives his award from Bill Taylor, chair of the judging panel in the International Brewing and Cider Awards Greg MacNeice of MacIvor's Cider in Portadown receives his award from Bill Taylor, chair of the judging panel in the International Brewing and Cider Awards

A COUNTY Armagh drinks firm is raising a glass to its award-winning cider after being named a gold medal winner at the International Brewing and Cider Awards in London.

MacIvor's Cider was declared the 'Cider Champion' at the industry oscars, becoming the first Irish cider producer to receive the accolade for its 'traditional dry' tipple.

Based at Ardress near Portadown, the label was launched in 2012 by long-standing apple processor MacNeice Fruit, producing two bottled ciders - MacIvor's Medium (4.5 per cent) and MacIvor's Dry (5.6 per cent).

Company director Greg MacNeice said the endorsement was "immensely important", both to the company and also to Northern Ireland which was was becoming a "significant producer" of finest quality cider.

"This is the standard we aim for at MacIvors," he said.

"The judging panel of international cider experts has recognised that MacIvor's cider is an exceptional product of premium quality and outstanding flavour.

"This endorsement will be immensely important as we seek to expand our business in Europe and the US, a target market for the company."

Close to 1,000 beers and ciders were judged at Burton-upon-Trent earlier this year, with 10 Championship winners going forward to the London final of the awards which have been running since 1888.

The Portadown company, which currently sells in Britain, Ireland, Finland and Germany, uses up to 12 different varieties of apples for its cider which is free from concentrates, artificial flavourings or colours.