Kopparberg unveils two new cider variants

The UK distributor of Kopparberg cider has announced it is to launch two new variants of the Swedish brand into the pub trade.

Cider of Sweden has confirmed pubs will be able to stock Kopparberg cider with mixed fruit and Kopparberg non-alcoholic pear cider from this month. The mixed-fruit variant has already been listed by WaverleyTBS and the Orchid Group. It offers a different twist to the traditional cider flavour, combining Kopparberg apple cider with the juice of blackcurrants and raspberries. It will be available in 500ml bottles with an ABV of four per cent - outside of the UK the product is sold at 5.3 per cent ABV.

Davin Nugent, managing director of Cider of Sweden, the distributor of Kopparberg cider in the UK, said: "Kopparberg is a brand that UK consumers have discovered for themselves, and its massive success in its first year is a clear demonstration of the demand that exists for authentic products and in particular the semi-sweet taste of Kopparberg ciders.

"The addition of the mixed-fruit and non-alcoholic variants to our existing range underlines our commitment to expanding the cider category in the UK."

Kopparberg pear cider has enjoyed a hugely successful year in the UK on-trade since it launched last year. It is now available in more than 7,000 bars nationwide and the brand has listings with many of the country's leading pub and bar chains, including Greene King and Mitchells & Butlers. It is also is one of Punch Taverns' top-three-selling packaged cider brands.

The brand has sold more than 1.5 million cases in the past year and it is anticipated that continued growth will see the UK become the largest export market for Kopparberg next year.