New York, NY – Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, the #1 selling global cider brand[1] and the best tasting hard cider at the 2014 World Beer Championships[2], announces the launch of a new Strongbow Variety Pack. Joining Strongbow favorites, Gold Apple and Honey & Apple, are new Strongbow Red Berries and Strongbow Ginger, two exciting and refreshingly premium flavors that tap into LDA+ consumers’ demand for new and interesting taste experiences. Launching at retail in March 2015, the Strongbow Variety Pack will be available in 12-pack bottle formats that includes three of each of the four distinct Strongbow flavors. The variety pack is sold nationally and available year-round.
“Hard Cider is one of the most dynamic segments in beverage alcohol, growing over 80% per year since 2012[3],” said Alejandra de Obeso, Brand Director for Strongbow, HEINEKEN USA. “Our new Strongbow Variety Pack not only delivers the variety adult consumers demand, but it provides multiple benefits to our retail partners: Strongbow appeals to a wider demographic – it is the only brand preferred by both millennial (LDA-34) and upscale consumers[4]; it is the most effective cider brand at generating loyal repeat shoppers[5]; and Strongbow shoppers make more trips and spend more per visit maximizing traffic in the cider segment[6].”
The variety pack unveils two new flavors, Strongbow Red Berries and Strongbow Ginger. With refreshment at its core, Strongbow Red Berries delivers a blend of sweet, tangy mixed berries with subtle lemon notes and crisp apple finish, while Strongbow Ginger pairs the taste of fresh-sliced ginger with muscato notes for an undeniably refreshing experience. “The Strongbow variety pack is perfectly positioned to attract new shoppers into the cider category,” added de Obeso. “It taps into consumer’s demand for new and interesting products, but with the reassurance that comes from a brand that they know and trust. Enjoying any Strongbow flavor over ice is the perfect way to kick off evening plans or celebrate the end of a work day while catching up with friends.” All flavors in the variety pack are gluten free and sold in 11.2 oz. bottles. Strongbow Gold Apple and Strongbow Honey & Apple are 5% ABV, while Strongbow Red Berries and Strongbow Ginger are 4.5% ABV.
Coinciding with the launch of the new Variety Pack, Strongbow has also unveiled its latest television commercial campaign starring legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart. The witty national campaign highlights why Strongbow over ice is the “bestest” cider experience possible, so much that even a respected celebrity the caliber of Sir Patrick Stewart isn’t necessary: Strongbow only needed ice and an award to promote its crisp, refreshing taste. The latest commercial is a continuation of the brand’s “Cider at Its Bestest” campaign.
About HEINEKEN USA
HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation’s leading upscale beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, the world’s most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken, the world’s most international beer brand, Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, Desperados, Amstel Light, and Newcastle Brown Ale. HEINEKEN USA also imports the Dos Equis Franchise, Tecate Franchise, Sol, Indio, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For the latest information on our company and brands, follow us on Twitter @HeinekenUSACorp, or visit HEINEKENUSA.com