Shepton Mallet Cider Mill is aiming to meet spiralling demand for specialist ciders by selling three of its brands in bag-in-a-box packaging.
Somerset Snuffler, Natch Special, and Somerset Tree Shaker are the first ciders the firm has produced in this way. The firm aims to capitalise on this summer’s ‘cider season’ and the surge in interest in quality ciders.
Pub sales of specialist and craft ciders rose by 18% last year and by 28% in value. 
Shepton Mallet Cider Mill marketing manager Andy Cross said: “Bag-in-box ciders are ideal for pub operators looking to extend their range of ciders for a festival, World Cup party or other event or as permanent addition to their offer.
“With the summer cider season now upon us, we’re confident that the new products will prove very popular with pub landlords and drinkers.
“The advantage of the bag-in-box format is that the quality of the cider remains consistently high from the first to the last pint.
“While best served chilled, all three West Country ciders were carefully developed to taste great whether served at room temperature or straight from the fridge.”
Sales of cider traditionally rise during hot summer weather as beer and lager drinkers switch to it.
Shepton Mallet Cider Mill, a trading division of the Irish-owned cider group C & C, best known for its Magners brand, is responsible for the sales and marketing of the following brands such as Blackthorn, Olde English and Addlestones.
Somerset Snuffler (4.8% ABV) is a medium-dry cider, bright and golden with a fruity character.
Natch Special (6% ABV), a still dry cider made using West Country bittersweet apples renowned for their high tannins giving a crisp dry taste.
Somerset Tree Shaker (7% ABV), made using the finest apples to give a deep, intense, cidery and fragrant fruity nose.
