Armagh-based MacIvors cider has scooped major accolades at a prestigious international drinks awards ceremony.
MacIvors cider collected a gold medal and the acclaimed Champion Cider award at the cider industry's 'Oscars' at a gala event in London.
The family-owned and run company became the first Irish cider producer to win a gold medal in this prestigious event for its Traditional Dry Cider (5.6% ABV).
(Greg MacNiece of MacIvors (left) receiving gold medal from Bill Tayor)
Established in 1888, The International Brewing and Cider Awards are internationally regarded as amongst the most important and influential industry events.
Commenting on the award, Greg MacNeice, Director and Cider Maker at MacIvors, said: "Winning a gold, then Cider Champion, in this global competition is such an honour. This is the standard we aim for at MacIvors.
“The judging panel of international cider experts have recognised that MacIvors cider is an exceptional product of premium quality and outstanding flavour.
"We work hard to make our cider taste this good. Most of all, we want people to enjoy drinking MacIvors cider. We want people to love it as much as we do.
"This endorsement will be immensely important to MacIvors Cider as we seek to expand our business in Europe and the US. It also signals that Northern Ireland is fast becoming a significant producer of the finest quality cider and we are proud to be part of that."
Chair of judges Bill Taylor added: "Close to 1,000 beers and ciders were judged at Burton-upon-Trent earlier this year, so to be chosen as one of just 10 Championship winners is a tremendous accolade and the brewers and cider maker who are lifting trophies today should be very proud of their achievement.”
MacIvors Cider was launched in 2012 by longstanding Northern Irish apple processor, MacNeice Fruit. The range includes two bottled ciders - MacIvors Medium (4.5%) and MacIvors Traditional Dry (5.6%). Both are produced in 500ml bottles. The Medium Cider is also produced in draught format.
MacIvors sells its ciders in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Finland and Germany.
