New A-B Product To Quench Thirst Of Growing Cider Market
Stella Artois, the word’s top-selling Belgian beer, is bringing a cider to the U.S. market.
It’s called Stella Artois Cidre and A-B describes it as “a crisp, distinctive European-style cider made with apples hand-picked from wine growing regions.”
Initially it will be available in 26 U.S. states, with further expansion possible in 2014. Sales to retailers begin on May 13. It is being introduced to take advantage of a growing market for cider.
Adam Oakley, vice president of import, craft and specialty brands at Anheuser-Busch, said the cider category is seeing 110 percent growth* in the United States, and this new brand helps to meet the growing demand for premium ciders with a more complex taste profile.
“Stella Artois Cidre is designed to be savored and is very different from sweeter, domestic U.S. ciders,” Oakley said. “Stella Artois Cidre has the potential to change people’s perceptions of cider here,offering a refreshing alternative to white wine.”
With the U.S. cider market seeing triple-digit growth, it has become one of the fastest-growing beverage categories in the United States. Early growth in the category was driven primarily BY Stella, Gruyerened to be savored and pair well with chicken, fish and a broad selection of cheeses, including Camembert-style cheeses, English cheddars, semi-firm cheeses such as Gruyere and washed-rind cheeses. Stella Artois Cidre’s tart profile also balances well with Asian and spicy foods and light salads.
Stella Artois Cidre will be fermented in Baldwinsville, New York, using apples picked from wine-growing regions in North and South America. At 4.5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), Stella Artois Cidre is available in two packaging configurations: four-packs of 12-ounce bottles and single, 24-ounce bottles.
For more information, please visit www.stellaartois.com.
Leave a Reply